Chiang Kai-shek
Chinese politician and military leader
Gerd von Rundstedt was a German Field Marshal who played a significant role in World War II, commanding key military campaigns and operations on the Eastern and Western fronts. Despite his critical role, he was dismissed and recalled multiple times by Adolf Hitler due to the shifting fortunes of war.
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About the Gerd von Rundstedt
Karl Rudolf Gerd von Rundstedtwas a German Generalfeldmarschallin the Heerof Nazi Germany during World War II. Born into a Prussian family with a long military tradition, von Rundstedt entered the Prussian Army in 1892. During World War I, he served mainly as a staff officer. In the interwar period, he continued his military career, reaching the rank of Colonel Generalbefore retiring in 1938.
He was recalled at the beginning of World War II as commander of Army Group South in the invasion of Poland. He commanded Army Group A during the Battle of France, and requested the Halt Order during the Battle of Dunkirk. He was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal in 1940. In the invasion of the Soviet Union, he commanded Army Group South, responsible for the largest encirclement in history, the Battle of Kiev. He was relieved of command in December 1941 after authorizing the withdrawal from Rostov but was recalled in 1942 and appointed Commander-in-Chief in the West.
He was dismissed after the German defeat in Normandy in July 1944 but was again recalled as Commander-in-Chief in the West in September, holding this post until his final dismissal by Adolf Hitler in March 1945. Though aware of the various plots to depose Hitler, von Rundstedt neither supported nor reported them. After the war, he was charged with war crimes, but did not face trial due to his age and poor health. He was released in 1949, and died in 1953.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gerd von Rundstedt was a German Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal) in the Heer (Army) of Nazi Germany during World War II. He had a long military career, serving in both World War I and World War II.
Gerd von Rundstedt commanded key military campaigns and operations on the Eastern and Western fronts during World War II, including the invasion of Poland, the Battle of France, and the invasion of the Soviet Union.
Gerd von Rundstedt was dismissed after the German defeat in Normandy in July 1944, but was recalled as Commander-in-Chief in the West in September 1944, holding this post until his final dismissal by Adolf Hitler in March 1945.
Gerd von Rundstedt commanded Army Group South during the invasion of the Soviet Union, which was responsible for the largest encirclement in history, the Battle of Kiev.
Though aware of the various plots to depose Hitler, Gerd von Rundstedt neither supported nor reported them.
After the war, Gerd von Rundstedt was charged with war crimes, but did not face trial due to his age and poor health. He was released in 1949 and died in 1953.
Gerd von Rundstedt was a German Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal) in the Heer (Army) of Nazi Germany. He was born into a Prussian family with a long military tradition and entered the Prussian Army in 1892.
5 Quotes by Gerd von Rundstedt
- 1.
Another adverse factor was the way the Russians received continual reinforcements from their back areas, as they fell back. It seemed to us that as soon as one force was wiped out, the path was blocked by the arrival of a fresh force.
Gerd von RundstedtGerman Field Marshal during World War II (1875-1953)
- 2.
The responsibility of commanding the invasion fell to me, and the task was assigned to my Army Group.
Gerd von RundstedtGerman Field Marshal during World War II (1875-1953)
- 3.
It is madness to attempt to hold. In the first place the troops cannot do it and in the second place if they do not retreat they will be destroyed. I repeat that this order be rescinded or that you find someone else.
Gerd von RundstedtGerman Field Marshal during World War II (1875-1953)
- 4.
The German Air Force was not sufficient to protect the sea crossing on its own. While the leading part of the forces might have landed, there was the danger that they might be cut off from supplies and reinforcements.
Gerd von RundstedtGerman Field Marshal during World War II (1875-1953)
- 5.
If was, increased by a lack of railways in Russia – for bringing up supplies to our advancing troops.
Gerd von RundstedtGerman Field Marshal during World War II (1875-1953)