The Value of Hitler's Brilliant Generals

Abstract : The post World War II mystique that developed in the US military regarding top Wehrmacht generals such as Field Marshal Erich von Manstein or General Heinz Guderian connotes an aura of brilliance and honor in the conduct of German military operations on the Eastern Front. Within their memoirs, both Manstein and Guderian contend that plans and operations throughout the war would have concluded in Germanys favor (or at least more so) were it not for Hitlers meddling in operational affairs. These German military leaders employ what has become a common argument in the study of WWII history: blame Hitler for all Germanys military failures. In addition, these memoirs make little mention of the atrocities committed by Germany; but instead emphasize impeccable Wehrmacht conduct on the Eastern Front. Closer examination of both Mansteins and Guderians experience on the Eastern Front does not fully support their claims of honorable conduct by either them or the forces under their command in that theater.