Gotthard Heinrici

Who was Gotthard Heinrici?

Gotthard Heinrici 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. Heinrici was considered one of the best defensive tacticians in the 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 in front of Berlin in April 1945. Author Cornelius Ryan's book "The Last Battle" centers around General Heinrici and his final days in the Battle of Berlin.