Guderian, Heinz (1888–1954), a German army officer. An expert on tank strategy, Guderian was given command of all German panzer (armored) units in 1938. He organized the tank divisions that spearheaded the rapid conquests of Poland and France. In 1941 he led panzer divisions in the invasion of Russia, but when the offensive bogged down he was recalled. Guderian was chief of the army general staff from July, 1944, to March, 1945.