Erwin Rommel was born on November 15th 1891 at Heidenheim southern Germany.
Rommel joined the Army in 1910, and became an officer two years later. He served with distinction in World War I, and was an early supporter of the Nazis. Rommel commanded an armored division during the German invasion of France. He was then made commander of the Afrika Korps. He led the German forces in North Africa to a string of victories, culminating in their victory at Tobruk, a victory which gave him his nickname of "Desert Fox."

Rommel was defeated by British forces under the command of Montgomery at the decisive battle of El Alamein. In 1943, he was appointed commander of German troops defending against an assault on France from the English Channel.

While convalescing from injures sustained in an air attack, Rommel gave his tacit support for a plot to assassinate Hitler, which failed. As a result, Rommel committed suicide to avoid arrest and trial.

Books

Knight's Cross : A Life of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel