Portal:World War II/Selected biography/1
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Erich von Manstein (November 24, 1887-June 10, 1973) served the German military as a lifelong professional soldier. Von Manstein rose to become one of the most promiment commanders of Germany's Armed Forces (Wehrmacht). During World War II, he attained the rank of Field Marshal(Generalfeldmarschall), despite the fact that he was not a member of the Nazi party. Many historians accredit von Manstein with helping(along with Heinz Guderian) concoct the plan to conquer France. He was eventually given command of Army Group South. While in command, von Manstein brought about one of the greatest victories in modern warfare. Von Manstein became famous for standing up to Hitler on various issues. Although this behavior would have normally led to his swift removal from command, von Manstein remained one of the very few generals who had repeatedly proved themselves in Hitler's eyes. In 1944, Hitler dismissed von Manstein over a question of strategy. Von Manstein was subsequently surrendered to the British and was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment, although he only served four years. Following his imprisonment, von Manstein served as senior adviser to the West German government; helped shape the new Bundeswehr; and became the Bundeswehr honorary Chief of Staff. Von Manstein died on June 10, 1973, becoming one of the very few German World War II Generals to be honored with full military honors.
