Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt
Gerd von Rundstedt, the most senior officer in the German Army by the time of D-Day, served as Commander-in-Chief West, responsible for defending against the expected Allied invasion of France, though Hitler's direct control over reserve panzer divisions undercut his authority to respond decisively once the landings began. Briefly dismissed in July 1944, he was recalled to command German forces during the Battle of the Bulge that December before final retirement in March 1945.
- Lived: 1875 CE – 1953 CE
- Nationality: german
- Roles: field_marshal
