Erwin Rommel

Erwin Rommel was a German general during World War II, known for commanding Axis forces during the North African campaign as well as the defense of Normandy.

His forces in North Africa occupied large geographical areas, consistently outmaneuvering larger Allied formations. He gained a reputation as the "Desert Fox".

Defying his orders to stay close to his supply bases, he pushed the British back as far as El Alamein, briefly threatening to overrun Egypt and the Suez Canal. However, Axis logistics was nowhere near up to the challenge, and he ended up losing badly, resulting in a surrender on the scale of Stalingrad by the time North Africa was finally abandoned.

In Normandy, his plan to keep armored formations closer to the beaches was overruled by the high command. Had it been followed, it might have slightly increased Allied casualties at the onset, but probably would not have changed the war. At any event, he was away from the beaches the day of the landings, and was wounded in July and removed from command.

He is generally viewed favorably in the West for staying somewhat apolitical during the war, avoiding war crimes, and possibly being involved in the July 20 plot to assassinate Hitler.

The idea of Rommel's excellence also partially excuses the dismal American performance at the Battle of Kasserine Pass, while making their subsequent adjustments and victory in Tunisia all the more impressive.