Your Subtitle text
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel
November 15, 1891 - October 15, 1944
November 15, 1891 - October 15, 1944
Erwin Rommel was born November 15th, 1891 in Heidenheim, Germany. He was the son of an Austrian school teacher, and one of five children. In his childhood, Erwin attended schools where military training was the main focus. Although he did not have a talent for studying, Erwin did show a strength for command.
Erwin's talent for command was evident at Tubingen, where he served in the first world war. During World War I, Lt. Rommel would be awarded Germany's highest medal, the Pour-Le-Merite (The Blue Max).
Rommel became a Field Marshal during World War II in June 1942, and received Germany's highest award, the Knights Cross with oak leaves, cross swords, and diamonds. Rommel was one of only 16 recipients to receive the prestigious award.
Working with General Guardian, Rommel would orchestrate the fast and furious deployment of tanks followed by infantry supported by air cover. This was known as "blitzkrieg" (lightning war). Using this new method of warfare in September of 1939, the Wehrmacht would overtake Poland in just three weeks. They would continue this aggressive approach to warfare defeating the French and British troops at Dunkirk in 1940.
Field Marshal Rommel would become Germany's most famous and respected military leader. He became a world figure when his dramatic victories stunned British forces in the Desert of North Africa during 1941 and 1942. The British would be the first to call him the "Desert Fox", a name that would follow him even after death.
On July 20, 1944, Rommel sent Hitler a letter demanding that he sue for peace with the allies. On that very day, a group of German Officers would attempt to kill Hitler.
Hitler accused Rommel of treason and presented him with an impossible choice; face a humiliating court marshal, or taking a cyanide capsule and be honored with a state funeral and burial. The later would preserve the safety and security of his family. Rommel would choose to take the cyanide capsule ending his life on October 15, 1944.
Erwin's talent for command was evident at Tubingen, where he served in the first world war. During World War I, Lt. Rommel would be awarded Germany's highest medal, the Pour-Le-Merite (The Blue Max).
Rommel became a Field Marshal during World War II in June 1942, and received Germany's highest award, the Knights Cross with oak leaves, cross swords, and diamonds. Rommel was one of only 16 recipients to receive the prestigious award.
Working with General Guardian, Rommel would orchestrate the fast and furious deployment of tanks followed by infantry supported by air cover. This was known as "blitzkrieg" (lightning war). Using this new method of warfare in September of 1939, the Wehrmacht would overtake Poland in just three weeks. They would continue this aggressive approach to warfare defeating the French and British troops at Dunkirk in 1940.
Field Marshal Rommel would become Germany's most famous and respected military leader. He became a world figure when his dramatic victories stunned British forces in the Desert of North Africa during 1941 and 1942. The British would be the first to call him the "Desert Fox", a name that would follow him even after death.
On July 20, 1944, Rommel sent Hitler a letter demanding that he sue for peace with the allies. On that very day, a group of German Officers would attempt to kill Hitler.
Hitler accused Rommel of treason and presented him with an impossible choice; face a humiliating court marshal, or taking a cyanide capsule and be honored with a state funeral and burial. The later would preserve the safety and security of his family. Rommel would choose to take the cyanide capsule ending his life on October 15, 1944.