Friedrich Paulus

Friedrich Wilhelm Ernst Paulus (September 23 1890, Breitenau – February 1 1957, Dresden) was a German general, later promoted to field marshal, during World War II.

Naming issue

Paulus was also known as von Paulus. The von in the name is not authentic, a misconception presumably based on the fact that for many German "noble families" the career of officer in the armed forces was traditionally popular for at least one of their sons. Many German officers and generals carried the "von" in their names. Paulus was the son of a minor official, one reason why he was promoted by Hitler who saw himself in the same light - a genius from humble background.

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