From: Everette (194cbteng@bellsouth.net)
Date: Sun Jan 29 2006 - 04:35:09 PST
January 29
1915 German lieutenant Erwin Rommel leads daring mission in France
On January 29, 1915, in the Argonne region of France, German lieutenant
Erwin Rommel leads his company in the daring capture of four French
block-houses, the structures used on the front to house artillery positions.
Rommel crept through the French wire first and then called for the rest of
his company to follow him. When they hung back after he had repeatedly
shouted his orders, Rommel crawled back, threatening to shoot the commander
of his lead platoon if the other men did not follow him. The company finally
advanced, capturing the block-houses and successfully combating an initial
French counter-attack before they were surrounded, subjected to heavy fire
and forced to withdraw.
Rommel was awarded the Iron Cross, First Class, for his bravery in the
Argonne; he was the first officer of his regiment to be so honored. "Where
Rommel is, there is the front," became a popular slogan within his regiment.
The bravery and ingenuity he displayed throughout the Great War, even in
light of the eventual German defeat, led to Rommel's promotion through the
ranks of the army in the post-war years.
Deo adiuvante
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.4 : Tue Jul 18 2006 - 21:39:54 PDT