Hugo Gutmann

Hugo Gutmann (19 November 188022 June 1962), later known as Henry G. Grant, was a German Jewish army officer, notable for being one of Adolf Hitler's superior officers in World War I. During the war, he recommended Hitler for the award of the Iron Cross.

Early life and army career

Gutmann was born on 19 November 1880 in Nuremberg to Salomon and Emilie Gutmann. In 1902, Gutmann joined the Bavarian Army and had risen to the rank of highest ranking NCO (Feldwebel) by 1904, when he was transferred to the reserves. When World War I began in 1914, Gutmann was recalled and he joined a unit known (after its first commander) as the "List" Regiment. On 15 April 1915, he was promoted to Lieutenant (Leutnant) and appointed as a company commander and acting adjutant for the Regiment's artillery battalion.

In 1938, Gutmann was arrested by the Gestapo, but released as a result of the influence of SS personnel who knew his history. In 1939, Gutmann and his family left for Belgium as World War II was beginning in Europe. Later on 14 May 1940, they fled to France. On 28 August 1940, he emigrated to the United States on the SS Excalibur from Lisbon to New York City, just prior to the German invasion of the Low Countries.

Post-World War II

After arriving to the United States, he changed his name to Henry Grant, inspired by a W. T. Grant store that he walked by. Gutmann lived in St. Louis, Missouri, and worked as a typewriter and furniture salesman. He was married and had two children.

Gutmann eventually retired in 1961 and later died in San Diego, California, on 22 June 1962 from cancer. He was buried at Home of Peace Cemetery in San Diego.

Portrayal in media

In the 2003 television mini-series Hitler: The Rise of Evil, Hugo Gutmann was portrayed by actor Brendan Hughes.