Hasso Manteuffel was born in Potsdam, Germany, in 1897. He joined the German Army and as an early supporter of mechanized warfare came under the influence of Heinz Guderian.
In June, 1941, Manteuffel took part in Operation Barbarossa where he commanded a battalion in the 7th Panzer Division. On 27th November he was awarded the Knight's Cross for capturing a key bridge on the outskirts of Moscow.
In 1942 Manteuffel was sent to Tunisia where he served under Jurgen von Arnium. After distinguishing himself in battle in February 1943, he was taken ill and sent back to Germany.
Manteuffel was given command of the 7th Panzer Division under Herman Hoth in August 1943. He served in the Soviet Union and after capturing Zhitomir in November was promoted to Lieutenant General and was awarded the Swords on 22nd February 1944, for action at Kiev.
In September 1944 Manteuffel was sent to France where he took command of the 5th Panzer Army. He took part in the defence of Lorraine until taking part in the Ardennes Offensive in October 1944. He was considered the most successful German commander in this campaign and was rewarded by being sent to defend East Prussia as head of the 3rd Panzer Army.
Manteuffel was forced to surrender of the US Army on 8th May 1945. Held as a prisoner until September 1947 he was active in politics and politics over the next twenty years. Hasso Manteuffel died on 28th September 1978.
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