Erwin Rommel Quotes

12 Sourced Quotes

In a man to man fight, the winner is he who has one more round in his magazine.

Erwin Rommel
One must not judge everyone in the world by his qualities as a soldier: otherwise we should have no civilization.

Erwin Rommel
The German soldier has impressed the world, however the Italian Bersagliere soldier has impressed the German soldier.

Erwin Rommel
Be an example to your men in your duty and in private life. Never spare yourself, and let the troops see that you don't in your endurance of fatigue and privation. Always be tactful and well-mannered, and teach your subordinates to be the same. Avoid excessive sharpness or harshness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide.

Erwin Rommel
The first twenty-four hours of the invasion will be decisive…for the Allies, as well as Germany, it will be the longest day.

Erwin Rommel
Courage which goes against military expediency is stupidity, or, if it is insisted upon by a commander, irresponsibility.

Erwin Rommel
Gentlemen, you have fought like lions and been led by donkeys.

Erwin Rommel
The art of concentrating strength at one point, forcing a breakthrough, rolling up and securing the flanks on either side, and then penetrating like lightning, before the enemy has time to react, deep into his rear.

Erwin Rommel
In Tunisia the Americans had to pay a stiff price for their experience, but it brought rich dividends. Even at that time, the American generals showed themselves to be very advanced in the tactical handling of their forces, although we had to wait until the Patton Army in France to see the most astonishing achievements in mobile warfare.

Erwin Rommel
Mortal danger is an effective antidote for fixed ideas.

Erwin Rommel
Winning the men's confidence requires much of a commander. He must exercise care and caution, look after his men, live under the same hardships, and-above all- apply self discipline. But once he has their confidence, his men will follow him through hell and high water.

Erwin Rommel
War makes extremely heavy demands on the soldier's strength and nerves. For this reason, make heavy demands on your men in peacetime exercises.

Erwin Rommel