The Most Famous German Soldier of WW2, Ranked

Choose the soldier you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 6, 2024 07:08
The history of World War II is often told through the lens of significant battles, strategic decisions, and the leaders who shaped these events. Yet, the stories of individual soldiers provide a different perspective that can offer more personal insights into the complexities of the war. Ranking the most notable German soldiers from this period helps us understand the varied human elements behind the historical facts. By participating in ranking these individuals, users contribute to a broader understanding of history that balances both the well-known and lesser-spoken-of figures. Each vote not only reflects personal opinion but also highlights the collective memory and ongoing interest in this pivotal era. Engaging with this list encourages a more nuanced discussion and recognition of the many roles played during the conflict.

Who Is the Most Famous German Soldier of WW2?

  1. 1
    23
    votes
    Erwin Rommel is known as the "Desert Fox," he was a highly skilled military commander who led the German forces in North Africa during WWII. He was also involved in the plot to assassinate Hitler and was forced to commit suicide as a result.
    Erwin Rommel in other rankings
  2. 2
    31
    votes
    Heinrich Himmler - as the head of the SS, Himmler was responsible for overseeing the concentration camps and the extermination of millions of Jews and other groups deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime.
  3. 3
    25
    votes
    Adolf Eichmann is a high-ranking SS officer who was responsible for organizing the deportation of Jews to the concentration camps. After the war, he fled to Argentina but was eventually captured by Israeli agents and brought to trial in Israel.
  4. 4
    23
    votes
    Paul Hausser is a German general who served in both World War I and World War II. He helped to establish the Waffen-SS and was one of its most prominent commanders.
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    Rudolf Hess is one of Hitler's closest confidants, Hess was Deputy Führer of the Nazi Party and played a key role in the early years of the regime. In 1941, he flew to Scotland in an attempt to negotiate peace with Britain but was captured and imprisoned for the rest of his life.
    Rudolf Hess in other rankings
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    Otto Skorzeny is a highly decorated SS officer who was known for his daring commando raids, including the rescue of Mussolini from a mountain fortress in Italy. He was also involved in the plot to assassinate Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin at the Tehran Conference.
  7. 7
    15
    votes
    Gerd von Rundstedt is a German general who served in both World War I and World War II. He was one of the most experienced military leaders in the German army and was responsible for many of its key victories early in the war.
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    Joachim Peiper is a commander in the Waffen-SS who was involved in some of the most brutal actions on the Eastern Front. He was responsible for the massacre of American prisoners of war at Malmedy, Belgium, and was later tried and convicted for war crimes.
  9. 9
    1
    votes
    Albert Kesselring is a German field marshal who served in both World War I and World War II. He was responsible for the defense of Italy and played a key role in the Battle of Britain.
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    Alfred Jodl is a German general who served as Chief of the Operations Staff of the Armed Forces High Command. He was one of Hitler's closest advisors and was involved in many of the key decisions of the war. He was later tried and convicted for war crimes and executed.

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Ranking factors for famous soldier

  1. Military Accomplishments
    Their successes in battle, strategy, and leadership.
  2. Decorations and Awards
    The number and significance of medals or awards received.
  3. Historical Significance
    Their impact on the course of the war, both positive and negative.
  4. Popularity
    The level of public recognition and admiration they have gained since the war.
  5. Post-War Legacy
    The influence they have had on subsequent military leaders and the lasting impact of their actions.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous German soldier of WW2. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or soldier is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1547 views
  • 155 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each soldier once every 24 hours. The rank of each soldier is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most famous german soldier of ww2

Background Information: Who is the most famous German soldier of WW2? World War II saw the deployment of millions of soldiers from different countries. Among them were German soldiers, who fought fiercely across many fronts. Some became famous for their valour, cunning and tactical skills. But who was the most famous German soldier of WW2? One name that immediately comes to mind is Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. Known as the "Desert Fox," he gained his reputation as a brilliant military strategist during the North African campaign. Rommel's leadership and tactical brilliance earned him the respect of both his own troops and his adversaries. Another notable soldier was Generaloberst Heinz Guderian, who is regarded as the father of the German Panzer Corps. He played a key role in the development of mobile tank warfare, which helped Germany achieve early victories in the war. Other famous German soldiers include Generaloberst Friedrich Paulus, who led the German 6th Army during the Battle of Stalingrad, and General der Panzertruppe Hermann Balck, a highly decorated officer who fought on both the Eastern and Western fronts. Despite their achievements, however, it is important to remember that these soldiers fought for a regime that committed unspeakable atrocities during the war. While we can appreciate their military prowess, it is crucial to acknowledge the wider context of their actions and the devastation that the war caused.

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