Gerhard Gutmacher – Grenadier-Regiment 178 (76. Infanterie-Division)

Original Postwar Signature on a Postwar Photo of Dr. jur. Gerhard Gutmacher

Hauptmann Dr. jur. Gerhard Gutmacher (31 October 1917 – 31 March 2008) served as a battalion commander in the German Army during the Second World War. He distinguished himself in combat as Führer of I. Bataillon / Grenadier-Regiment 178 of the 76. Infanterie-Division, earning the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross in the final phase of the war, January 1945.

Awards and Decorations

• Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes) – 14 January 1945 as Hauptmann und Bataillonsführer, I./Grenadier-Regiment 178, 76. Infanterie-Division

Career Highlights

• Frontline Infantry Officer: Rose through the ranks in the Grenadier arm of the Heer, showing both leadership and personal bravery in action.

• Ritterkreuz Recognition: Decorated for decisive actions during the hard-fought defensive battles of 1944/45, where his battalion played a crucial role in holding its sector under immense Soviet pressure.

• 76. Infanterie-Division: A division with a distinguished, though costly, combat record on the Eastern Front — reformed after the destruction at Stalingrad and engaged in numerous critical battles until the end of the war.

• Postwar Life: Survived captivity and went on to earn his doctorate in law (Dr. jur.), pursuing a successful civilian career after 1945.

Item Details

• Type: Original postwar signed photograph

• Size: Postcard format

• Condition: Clear and well-preserved autograph

Collector’s Note

Signatures of Ritterkreuzträger who later achieved distinguished civilian careers are particularly attractive to collectors. Gutmacher’s combination of frontline combat leadership and later work as a jurist makes this a unique addition, especially for those focusing on late-war Knight’s Cross recipients and the history of the 76. Infanterie-Division.