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Dietrich von SauckenGerman tank general
Date of Birth: 16.05.1892
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Interwar Years
- World War II
- Eastern Front and High Command
- Capture and Imprisonment
Early Life and Military Career
Heinrich Freiherr zu Guttenberg was born on March 19, 1899, in Wiesbaden, Germany. He joined the German army on October 1, 1910, and was commissioned as a lieutenant in June 1912. During World War I, Guttenberg fought on the Eastern Front and was awarded the Iron Crosses 1st and 2nd Class, as well as several other military honors. He was severely wounded in 1918 and received the Golden Wound Badge.
Interwar Years
After the war, Guttenberg remained in the Reichswehr, reaching the rank of captain in 1925 and lieutenant colonel in 1936. In June 1939, he was promoted to colonel and commanded a cavalry regiment.
World War II
With the outbreak of World War II, Guttenberg participated in the invasions of Poland and France, where he received additional Iron Crosses. In November 1940, he was appointed commander of the 4th Rifle Brigade.
Eastern Front and High Command
In December 1941, Guttenberg became commander of the 4th Panzer Division and was promoted to major general on January 1, 1942. He was severely wounded in the head in January 1942 and was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves in January 1944 and with Swords in January 1944.
In May 1944, Guttenberg commanded the 3rd Panzer Corps and later the 39th Panzer Corps. In August 1944, he was promoted to general of tank troops and led the "Großdeutschland" Panzer Corps. In March 1945, he assumed command of the 2nd Army and, in April 1945, the "Ostpreußen" Army.
Capture and Imprisonment
On May 8, 1945, Guttenberg was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. He was captured by Soviet forces on the same day. In 1948, a Soviet court sentenced him to 25 years in prison, from which he was released in 1955.
