Erwin Rommel was a German field marshal during World War II. Popularly known as the Desert Fox, Rommel was a masterful tactician and was respected by both his allies and his enemies.
Rommel started his military career with during World War I, where he lead small forces against mostly the French.. He was awarded the Iron Cross, First Class, for his actions. During World War II, Rommel was in charge of a division, largely made up of tanks, called the 7th Panzer. With his command, they moved so swiftly that both the enemy and Germany's High Command lost track of their whereabouts, earning the division the nickname Gespensterdivision, or the Ghost Division. Then, he was given command of the new Afrika Korps, which he lead in North Africa during the war, fighting in key battles such as the battle of El Alamein. |
Rommel in North Africa 1942Rommel was generally on the front lines. putting his life in danger to lead his men. Part of the reason why he became such a popular war hero is that he survived for so long in the thick of war.
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Rommel before the Second Battle of El AlameinA decisive battle in World War II, the battle of El Alamein resulting in the severe crippling of Rommel's Afrika Korps. However, Rommel didn't lose hope until the end of the Battle of Tunisia.
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Rommel's graveWhen Rommel was indirectly linked to plotting against Hitler, he was given the choice to either kill himself without causing turmoil or having his family face persecution. He chose the former. Hitler gave him the choice because he was a war hero, and denouncing him as a traitor would greatly decrease morale.
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