“Intelligence, knowledge, and experience are telling prerequisites. Lack of these may, if necessary, be compensated for by a good general staff officer. Strength of character and inner fortitude, however, are decisive factors. The confidence of the men in the ranks rests upon a man’s strength of character.”

Erich von Manstein (1887 to 1973)

Erich von Manstein, original name Erich Von Lewinski, was German Field Marshal who was perhaps the most talented German field commander in World War II.