Gotthard Heinrici Military person

Gotthard Heinrici (25 December 1886 – 10 December 1971) was a general in the German Army during World War II. He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern). Heinrici was considered the best defensive tactician and expert in the Heer (German Army) and was largely a professional and chivalrous officer. This led to his final assignment as commander-in-chief of the last remaining forces of Army Group Vistula (final remnants of Army Group Centre) in front of Berlin in April 1945. Author Cornelius Ryan's book "The Last Battle" centres on General Heinrici and his final days in the Battle of Berlin.

Personal facts

Birth date	December 25, 1886
Birth place	East Prussia , Gusev
Date of death	December 13, 1971
Place of death	Germany , Weinstadt
Resting place	Freiburg im Breisgau

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Military person

allegiance	Nazi Germany German Empire (to 1918) Weimar Republic (to 1933)
award	Wound Badge Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Iron Cross
military operations	World War II World War I Battle of the Dukla Pass Battle of the Seelow Heights Orsha offensives (1943)
military command	4. Armee 1. Panzerarmee Army Group Vistula XXXXIII.Armeekorps
service start	1905
service end	1945