Günther von Kluge
| Günther von Kluge | |
|---|---|
Günther von Kluge as Field Marshal
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Der kluge Hans |
| Born |
30 October 1882 Posen, German Empire |
| Died | 19 August 1944 (aged 61) Metz, Nazi Germany |
| Allegiance |
 German Empire Weimar Republic Nazi Germany
|
| Service/branch |
Prussian Army Reichsheer Army (Wehrmacht) |
| Years of service | 1901–44 |
| Rank | Generalfeldmarschall |
| Commands held |
4th Army Army Group Centre |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords |
| Relations | Wolfgang von Kluge (brother) |
Günther von Kluge (30 October 1882 – 19 August 1944) was a German field marshal during World War II. Kluge held commands on both the Eastern and Western Fronts. Although Kluge was not an active conspirator in the 20 July plot, he committed suicide on 19 August 1944, after having been recalled to Berlin for a meeting with Hitler in the aftermath of the failed coup. He was replaced by Field Marshal Walter Model.
Günther von Kluge, son of General Max von Kluge, joined the Prussian Army in 1901 and served in the 46th Field Artillery Regiment. During World War I he was a staff officer in the XXI Corps; and remained in the Reichswehr after the war.
Kluge took part in the invasion of Poland in 1939 as commander of the 4th Army. He had a central role in the death sentences for twenty-eight Polish prisoners taken in the Defense of the Polish Post Office in Danzig. Though he opposed the initial German plan to attack westwards into France, he led the Fourth Army in its attack through the Ardennes that culminated in the fall of France. Kluge was promoted to field marshal in July 1940.
Kluge commanded the 4th Army at the opening of Operation Barbarossa, where he developed a strained relationship with Heinz Guderian over tactical issues in the advance, accusing Guderian of frequent disobedience of his orders. On 29 June Kluge ordered that, ‘Women in uniform are to be shot.’
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