Paul Ludwig Ewald von Kleist

Paul Ludwig Ewald von Kleist (August 8, 1881 – c. November 13, 1954) was a leading German field marshal during World War II. Born in Braunfels an der Lahn into an aristocratic family, Kleist was educated in a German military school and graduated in 1900. He served as a lieutenant of hussars and a regimental commander in World War I. After the war he served as a commander of a cavalry division from 1932-35. Kleist was semi-retired when, in August ... more

Paul Ludwig Ewald von Kleist (August 8, 1881 – c. November 13, 1954) was a leading German field marshal during World War II. Born in Braunfels an der Lahn into an aristocratic family, Kleist was educated in a German military school and graduated in 1900. He served as a lieutenant of hussars and a regimental commander in World War I. After the war he served as a commander of a cavalry division from 1932-35. Kleist was semi-retired when, in August 1939, he was recalled to active duty at the age of fifty-eight. In the invasion of Poland, Kleist commanded the XXII Panzer Corps. In the Battle of France he commanded Panzergruppe von Kleist, consisting of XLI Panzer Corps and XIX Panzer Corps (under Heinz Guderian), the two southernmost armoured corps in the drive to the English Channel. During this time he attempted to relieve Guderian of his command after he and his subordinate, Erwin Rommel, disobeyed orders to halt their advance to the Channel; the Wehrmacht Chief of Staff, Gerd von... less