A German general who planned the invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II, known for his role in one of the most pivotal and devastating military operations in history.
Erich Marcks, a German general in the Wehrmacht during World War II, is best known for drafting the operational plan, Operation Draft East, for the invasion of the Soviet Union, also known as Operation Barbarossa. His plan, which advocated for the capture of Moscow and beyond, was a crucial component of the Nazi war effort.
Born on June 6, 1891, Marcks studied philosophy in Freiburg in 1909, a foundational step in his future military career.
Marcks joined the Army in 1910 and fought in World War I, where he completed General Staff Training and was transferred to the Imperial General Staff Corps in 1917. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class and then 1st Class, and posted to the German Supreme Command.
After the war, Marcks fought with the paramilitary Freikorps and later joined the Army of the German Republic (Reichsheer) between 1921 and 1933. During this period, he held several staff and command positions and served in the Ministry of Defense.
On April 1, 1933, after Hitler came to power, Marcks was transferred to the army, serving as Chief of Staff of VIII Corps. He was a recipient of the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.
In the summer of 1940, Franz Halder, chief of OKH General Staff, directed Marcks to draft an initial operational plan for the invasion of the Soviet Union. Marcks produced a report entitled Operation Draft East, which advocated for the AA line as the operational objective of the invasion of Russia.
In 1941, Marcks served as Chief of Staff of 18th Army during the Battle of France. He later became the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Army in 1942.
Marcks' contributions to the German war effort cannot be overstated. His plan for Operation Barbarossa played a crucial role in shaping the course of the war on the Eastern Front.
Despite his significant achievements, Marcks' legacy is complex and multifaceted. His role in the Nazi war machine has been the subject of controversy and debate among historians and scholars.
Little is known about Marcks' personal life, but it is recorded that he died on June 12, 1944, during World War II.
There are no recorded quotes or memorable sayings attributed to Erich Marcks.
Marcks' life and career are deeply embedded in the historical context of World War II and the Nazi regime. His contributions to the war effort have been the subject of much debate and analysis among historians and scholars.
Despite his significant achievements, Marcks' legacy is complex and multifaceted. His role in the Nazi war machine has been the subject of controversy and debate among historians and scholars.
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