Thursday night, I went out for dinner with Meijun, Noodles, and (German) Ben, coz it was Ben's last night of travel in Hualien.
In the course of conversation with Ben, I mentioned that I admire Erwin Rommel, to which he asked why in the style of "Why would you admire a man who killed people?". I didn't have a good answer. Hence, last night, I went to Wikipedia to polish up my knowledge of the man...and clarify my opinion.
And here's why I admire him.
(And yes, I do understand he was a soldier, and that soldiers kill people.)
- His disregard for Hitler's inhumane commands.
Rommel refused to execute Jews and prisoners, and there wasn't a single thing Hitler could do about it, because of Rommel's...
- Admiration from both friend & foe.
Not only did the German people hold in high regard, but also his Allied foes. Subsequently,... - Rommel's North African Desert Corp had a post-WW2 record of NO WAR CRIMES.
- His opposition to Hitler's orders.
He wrote letters protesting against the treatment of the Jews.
He paid French workers full wages, although he could have enslaved them.
He gave fallen opponents full military honours.
He refused to deport Jews from France.
- Brilliance - He excelled at the job he did.
- Energy - He put his all into his work and his values.
- Expectations - He expected no less dedication from his subordinates. Naturally, this created dislike among some of his own ranks.
- Chivalry - In a war known for it's atrocities, Rommel maintained honour.
He termed the war in North Africa as "Krieg ohne Hass" / "War without hate." And this was in the face of Nazi Germany, known for its hatreds. - He died for his values...at the hands of his own.
Rommel, indirectly associated with the failed attempt to assassinate Hitler, was arrested by the Nazi authorities. Some say he chose suicide; some say he faced the firing squad. Either way, they gave him the options of death or (biased) courts. - His (unjust) executors buried him with full honours (because the people's esteem for him was so great).
- He is the only member of the Third Reich to have a museum dedicated to him.
So, disregarding the debate on warfare itself, I admire Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel for the excellent and righteous way in which he conducted himself, even to death.
Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel (a.k.a.
Wüstenfuchs / Desert Fox)
15 November 1891 – 14 October 1944
....................................................................a noble man in this ignoble age.
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