Heinz-Günther Guderian – 116. Panzer-Division

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Heinz-Günther Guderian. Generalmajor Heinz-Günther Guderian (23 August 1914, Goslar † 25 September 2004, Bad Godesberg) was a German officer of the Wehrmacht who rose to the rank of Generalmajor. The son of famed Panzer leader Generaloberst Heinz Guderian (Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub), he forged his own distinguished career as a General Staff officer and later in the Bundeswehr. He was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in 1944 for his leadership in organizing the breakout of the 116. Panzer-Division from the Falaise pocket.

Awards and Decorations:

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 5 October 1944, as Major im Generalstab, Ia of 116. Panzer-Division.

  Awarded for his key role in the Falaise pocket breakout (August 1944). With the situation collapsing and no orders to withdraw, Guderian was instrumental in organizing and directing the division’s successful breakout on the night of 20 August 1944, preventing its total destruction.

Career Highlights:

• Entered service in 1935, steadily advancing through the officer ranks.

• Served in staff and Panzer-related assignments throughout the war, reaching the General Staff as Major i.G.

• Distinguished himself in the West in 1944 during the retreat from Normandy, where his actions earned him the Knight’s Cross.

• Promoted to Oberstleutnant i.G. in November 1944.

• Postwar, he joined the Bundeswehr, where he continued a long military career: promoted to Oberst (1960), Brigadegeneral (1963), and ultimately Generalmajor (1968), serving as General der Kampftruppen.

• Survived the war and lived until 2004, reaching the age of 90.

Item Details:

• Authentic postwar signature of Generalmajor Heinz-Günther Guderian.

• Signed on a postwar photograph.

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph.

Collector’s Note:
As the son of the legendary Heinz Guderian, and himself a Knight’s Cross recipient with a distinguished postwar Bundeswehr career, Heinz-Günther Guderian’s signature is of high collector interest. His role in the Falaise pocket breakout highlights his independent achievements, apart from his father’s fame, and makes this a highly desirable piece for Panzer and Normandy campaign collectors.