Hitler (far right, seated). At the outbreak of WWI, Hitler volunteered to serve in the Bavarian Army as an Austrian citizen. Posted to the 16th Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment where, he served as a dispatch runner on the Western Front in France and Belgium, spending nearly half his time well behind the front lines. He was present at the First Battle of Ypres, the Battle of the Somme, the Battle of Arras, and the Battle of Passchendaele, and was wounded at the Somme. He was decorated for bravery, receiving the Iron Cross, Second Class, in 1914. He received the Black Wound Badge in May 1918. No date or location available.