Erwin Rommel "Desert Fox"
by: Jaxon Plissken
History of "the Desert Fox"
Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel aka " the Desert Fox" (born November 15 1891 died October 14 1944 at age 52) was a General for the German forces during World War II. He gained the respect of his soldiers and even his enemies. Rommel was a highly decorated officer in World War I and even earned the Pour le Mérite medal for his exploits on the Italian Front.
Significance in World War II
Erwin Rommel was commander of the 7th Panzer Division during the 1940 invasion of France and was commander of the Afrika Korps including both Italian and German soldiers. His involvement in the North African campaign made him be seen as one of the most able commanders during the war. His efforts and leadership during the campaign dubbed him "the Desert Fox", and is regarded as one of the most skilled commanders in desert warfare. He also commanded the German army that was opposing the Allied forces invasion of Normandy.
Rommel's correlation with the Nazi Party
Rommel was regarded as a humane and professional officer during the war. His Afrika Korps were never accused of war crimes, and allied POWs captured were said to have been treated humanely. And when ordered to kill captured Jewish soldiers, civilians, and commandos: he refused and ignored the orders. Later, Rommel was indirectly linked to the conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Because he was a German war hero, Hitler decided to eliminate him silently.
North Africa
Rommel speaks with troops who are using a captured American M3 half-track, Tunisia.
North Africa
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, with his aides during the desert campaign, 1942
Poland
Hitler in Poland (September 1939). Rommel is on his left and Martin Bormann on his right.
Erwin Rommel and his "Afrika Korps"