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Guderian, Heinz-Günther (Generalmajor)

Date of birth:
August 23rd, 1914 (Goslar/Hannover, Germany)
Date of death:
September 25th, 2004 (Bad Godesberg/North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

General der Kampftruppen (BW) Heinz Günther Fritz Guderian
Son of RKT EL Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (1888-1954)

Promotions:
01.04.1935: Leutnant (3)
01.06.1938: Oberleutnant (3)
01.08.1940: Hauptmann - RDA 01.04.1940 (84a)
01.01.1943: Major (481)
09.11.1944: Oberstleutnant i.G. - RDA 01.11.1944 (90)
29.07.1960: Oberst
18.05.1963: Brigadegeneral
02.10.1968: Generalmajor

Career:
01.04.1933: Fahnenjunker, Kraftfahrabteilung 3, Wünsdorf
01.04.1935: promoted to Leutnant, Zugführer, Abteilungs- then Regimentsadjutant then Kompaniechef, Panzer-Regiment 1, Erfurt then Panzer-Regiment 35, Bamberg
00.09.1939: campaign in Poland
00.05.1940: WIA two times during the Western campaign
00.00.1942: Kriegsakademie
00.05.1944: Ia, Generalstab, 116. Panzer-Division - Falaise Pocket
00.11.1944: Ardennes/Bulge, Hürtgenwald
00.04.1945: surrendered in the Ruhr Pocket - POW
00.00.1947: released
00.00.1948: Organisation Gehlen
00.00.1956: Bundeswehr
Kommandeur, Panzer-Bataillon 3 then 174
20.08.1963-15.09.1967: Brigadegeneral, Kommandeur, Panzer-Brigade 14
General der Kampftruppen, Heeresamt
00.00.1974: retired

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Awarded on:
1936
Dienstauszeichnung der Wehrmacht 4.Klasse, 4 Jahre
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1939
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1939
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1940
WIA 00.05.1940 + 00.05.1940
Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Major im Generalstab (Major to the General Staff)
Unit:
Ia, 116. Panzer-Division
Awarded on:
October 5th, 1944
Awarded for his actions in the Falaise pocket. During this time the 116. Panzer-Division played a key role in holding the southern part of the pocket as they had been ordered to do. As they had still received no order to break out by the early afternoon of the 20.08.1944, the Division decided to break out on its own initiative given the deteriorating situation. Launched during the following night, the Division managed to succeed in this endeavour. Guderian was apparently in charge of the organization and leadership of the breakout, and was recognized for his success in this regard appropriately.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Awarded on:
May 15th, 1972
Kungliga Svärdsorden - Commander 1st Class
Awarded on:
December 21st, 1972
Großkreuz des Verdienstordens der BRD

Sources

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