“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.”

Field Marshal Erich von Mannstein (1887 to 1973)

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