One of the early members of the NSDAP (National Socialist German
Worker's Party). He was eulogized as a martyr for National Socialism
after dying in a brawl involving members of a rival political group. A
song he had written for the party, entitled "Die Fahne Hoch (Raise High
the Flag)", later known as "Das Horst Wessel Lied (The Horst Wessel
Song)", became a Nazi anthem.