I have decided to write my paper over two of the greatest generals of World War II: Erwin Rommal and George S. Patton. These two men are the most well known generals of World War II and for a reason. They both are nearly identical in the way they fought their fought their opponents Erwin Rommel was born in Heidenheim (then part of the German Empire). At age 14, Rommel and a friend built a full-scale glider that was able to fly short distances. (generals) Rommel considered becoming an engineer. (teacher) However to make his father proud, Rommel instead joined the local Infantry Regiment as an officer cadet in 1910 and was sent to the Officer Cadet School in Danzig. He graduated on 15 November 1911 and was commissioned as a lieutenant in January 1912. (generals) During World War I, Rommel fought in France as well as in Romania and Italy. He gained a reputation for great courage, making quick tactical decisions and taking advantage of enemy confusion. (teacher) He was wounded three times and awarded the Iron Cross, First and Second Class. Rommel also received Prussia's highest award, the order of Pour le Mérite. (generals) Rommel acted as commander of the Führerbegleithauptquartier (Führer escort headquarters) during the Polish campaign, often moving up close to the front in the Führersonderzug and seeing much of Hitler. (generals) After the Polish defeat, Rommel asked Hitler for command of a panzer division. Three months later he was given command of the 7.Panzer-Division. Rommel then was on the fast track up the chain of command. He used all of the skills he had learned and perfected in France. His division moved so fast it was know has the "Ghost Division" because the pace and extent of their attacks put them so far ahead that they were frequently out of communication with the rest of the army. (teacher) Rommel's reward for his success was to be promoted and appointed commander of the 5th Light Division and of the 15.Panzer-Division which, were sent to Libya in early 1941 to aid the demoralized Italian troops which had suffered a heavy defeat from British Commonwealth forces. (generals) It was in Africa where Rommel achieved his greatest fame as a commander. Rommel as involved in an assassination attempt on Hitler. Some of his close friends persuaded him to join and would ultimately pay the price. In the end Hitler gave him two choices; ether be executed and dishonored or comet suicide and be give full military honors. He cometed suicide. (teacher) Rommel is regarded as a chivalrous and humane officer because his Afrikakorps was never accused of any war crimes. Soldiers captured during his Africa campaign were reported to have been treated humanely; furthermore, he ignored orders to kill captured commandos, Jewish soldiers and civilians in all theaters of his command. (generals) Unlike Patton, Rommel was a master strategist. He would use everything from the superior firepower and mobility of his tanks to the ability to predict his appoints moves to come out victorious. Also Rommel's troops loved to serve under his because they knew he would bring them home alive. George Patton was born in San Gabriel Township, California. (generals) As a boy, Patton read widely in the classics and military history. He also grew up hearing family stories of military glory and from an early age, Patton sought to become a general and hero. Patton came from a long line of soldiers, for those who served in the Revolutionary War to the Civil War (where his family fought for the Confederacy). (generals) Many who have rose to the rank of general. He wanted to carry on the family tradition of serving his country and make a name for himself. Patton attended Virginia Military Institute for one year. He then enrolled in the United States Military Academy, at West Point. He was appointed Cadet Adjutant (the second highest position for a cadet) and graduated in 1909 and receiving his commission as a cavalry officer. (generals) When America enters World War II Patton was ready to go. He was sent to command the Western Task Force of the U.S. Army in North Africa. (generals) Patton might have been ready for a fight but his men weren't, they lacked training and experience and as a result the first American battle against the Germans was a defeat. However over time the odds began to change into Patton's favor. After the German defeats in Africa and Italy General Patton was not going to be a part of the D-Day operation. Allied commanders had a hard time controlling him in and didn't want him running on out of control. (generals) However he would help with the operation just not how he would have liked. The D-Day planers used Patton as a distraction, to keep Germany from finding the real invasion force. In late 1944, the German army launched a last-ditch offensive across Belgium, Luxembourg, and northeastern France, known as the Battle of the Bulge. (generals)The German attack surprised the Allies and made large advances. German troops surrounded and trapped the 101st airborne at the Belgian crossroads town of Bastogne. Patton turned his Army north, disengaging from the front line to relieve the surrounded and besieged U.S. troops. (generals) On December 9, 1945, Patton was severely injured in a road accident. Patton died December 21, 1945. (teacher)Patton was buried at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial in Hamm, Luxembourg along with other members of the Third Army, as per Patton's request to "be buried with my men." (generals) Unlike Rommel, Patton was not a master strategist. He just seemed to know where to hit his enemy, and hit him hard. However Patton's troops disliked him, as his nickname went "Old Blood and Guts," his soldiers blood and his guts. (generals) Although they were enemies, they had a lot in common. They both came from a military family and entered service at an early age. They knew how to use their troops to the fullest extent and how to get results. They are also the only two commanders from World War II who were givin nicknames; Erwin Rommel the "Desert Fox" and George Patton "Old Blood and Guts." In the end they both served their country to the fullest extent.