Ernest Rommel's Leadership Qualities

During and after the Second World War many leaders, soldiers, and officials of Germany were tried for war crimes because of their in humane practices and policies. Many viewed these Nazi Germans as ruthless savages that lacked any regard for the treatment of their enemies, prisoners, and even their own soldiers. Erwin Rommel was a field marshal that fought for Nazi Germany, leading many successful campaigns throughout Africa and Europe against the allied forces, but he was unlike the other Nazi leaders that surrounded him. Renowned for his humanitarianism, bravery, and leadership, Rommel was viewed as a worthy adversary by his enemies and respected by the soldiers whom he commanded. This paper aims to distinguish and disaffiliate Rommel from the other Nazi officials and their disturbing aspirations and actions. Rommel’s reputation will be defended through personal accounts and analysis …show more content…
After enlisting in the military and graduating from the Officer Cadet School in Danzig, he was given the rank of Lieutenant in 1912. Rommel served in the First World War in France and Romania, and this is where his career and reputation as a great military leader began. He was known for his infiltration tactics and ability to lead small groups to astonishing victories, that some would argue to be impossible. By the end of the war, Rommel was awarded the Iron Cross, first and second class, and Pour le Merite. Pour le Merite is the highest military award given by the German empire, analogous to the United States’ Medal of Honor. During the war, Rommel was injured on several different occasions, but even with these wounds, Rommel’s dedication and loyalty to Germany allowed him to continue to command and serve for the Germany military for the entirety of the war. After the war, Rommel denied a promotion that placed him among the General Staff of Germany, requesting to remain a combat officer