Worldwide, the German military elite of World War II is admired. How did the Reich government and its Wehrmacht manage to withstand almost the entire world that was attacking them for so long? The Allies owed their victory solely to their economic superiority. They simply rolled over their opponents, while we Germans had to compensate for our numerical inferiority and limited resources with offensive spirit, personal courage, and superior strategic and tactical leadership—essentially, through character and intelligence. This illustrated book showcases previously unpublished photographs of the supreme commanders of the army, navy, air force, and SS, important general staff officers, field marshals, a large number of army and army group leaders, as well as the small group of recipients of the highest German bravery award, the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds.