Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler (April 20, 1889 - April 30, 1945) was a German politician and the leader of the well known Nazi Party. He ruled Germany from 1933 to 1945. After World War I Hitler pursued a more political role. After invading Poland in 1939, the Nazi's occupied most of Europe and large parts of Africa, and Southeast Asia. Hitlers armies commited numerous atrocities during World War II, including the systematic killing of as many as 17 million civilians and the genocide of 6 million Jews, also known as the Holocaust.
Ewald von Kleist
Ewald von Kleist (August 8, 1881 - November 13, 1954) was a leading field marshal for the germans in World War II. He commanded the Panzer Corps in the Battle of France and the Battle to the English Channel. In March of 1944 he was relieved of his duty of the 8th Army after dissobaying strict order from Hitler. He was later captured by the American forces and sentenced to 10 years in jail for war crimes. He later died in prison. Kleist was the highest ranked German officer to die in captivity.
Paul "Papa" Hausser
Paul "Papa" Hausser (October 7, 1880 - December 21, 1972) was an officer in the German Army, he achieved the rank of general in the inter-war Reichswehr. He started the Waffen-SS, he was known as the "father" or "papa". He battled in both Eastern and Western Fronts in World War II.
Heinz Guderian
Heinz Guderian (June 17, 1888 - May 14, 1954) was an innovative General of the German Army during World War II. He commanded German's panzer (tanks) forces and held the title of Panzer Army Commander. Guderian rose to the full rank of General abd is recognized as one of the most prominent generals of World War II.
Erwin Rommel
Erwin Rommel (15 November 1891 – 14 October 1944) also known as the "Desert Fox" was perhaps one of the most famous germans of World War II. He was known for his skillful military campaigns in Northern Africa. He later commanded the German Forces at the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. His successes earned respect both from his troops and of the enemy. Rommel was forced to commit suicide after his suspected involvement of the plot to kill Hitler.
Walter Model
Walter Model (January 24, 1891 - April 21, 1945) was a German general and later promoted to field marshal during World War II. He is known for his defensive minded battle in the 2nd half of the war, all mostly on the Eastern Front. Model's fighting methods are most well known for not letting major enemy breakthoughs. This brought him much success. Hitler considered Model to be his best commander.
Wilhelm Keitel
Wilhelm Keitel (September 22, 1882 - October 16, 1946) was a General Field Marshal. Hitler's chief military advisor throughout World War 2 and a man who was completely loyal to Hitler. He had been wounded in World War I as had been many other Nazi leaders. He moved into a high position in the army in 1938 when scandals forced two top generals from their posts. In his one known instance of rebelling against Hitler, he threatened to resign if Russia were invaded. Hitler ignored him as he usually did in important matters. After the war, he was tried and convicted at Nuremberg. He was hanged on October 16, 1946.