Manfred Rommel

2.1. Background and Family

Manfred Rommel was born in Stuttgart, Germany, on December 24, 1928, as the only son of Erwin Rommel and Lucia Maria Mollin (1894-1971). His given name, Manfred, is believed to have been chosen to honor his father's elder brother, who had died at a young age.

2.2. World War II Experiences

At the age of 14, in 1943, Rommel entered service as a Luftwaffenhelfer (air force assistant), serving in an anti-aircraft battery. He considered joining the Waffen-SS, but his father, Erwin Rommel, opposed this decision. On October 14, 1944, Manfred was present at his parents' home when his father was forced to commit suicide due to his alleged involvement in the 20 July plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. The Nazi leadership publicly portrayed his father's death as a result of a war injury. In February 1945, Rommel was dismissed from air force service, and in March of the same year, he was conscripted into the paramilitary Reichsarbeitsdienst service. Stationed in Riedlingen at the end of April, he deserted just before the French First Army entered the town. He was subsequently taken as a prisoner of war and interrogated by, among others, General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny, to whom he disclosed the truth about his father's death.

3.1. Post-war Education and Legal Work

In 1947, Manfred Rommel passed his Abitur while studying in Biberach an der Riß. He then went on to study law and political science at the University of Tübingen. Following his graduation, he initially worked as a lawyer.

3.2. State Government Service

In 1956, Rommel transitioned from his legal practice to enter the civil service. He steadily rose through the ranks within the Baden-Württemberg state government, eventually becoming a State Secretary. In 1959, he was promoted to councilor and served as secretary to Hans Filbinger, the Interior Minister. By 1971, he transferred to the State Ministry of Finance, where he became the head of the ministerial cabinet and later served as Undersecretary.

4.1. Election and Tenure

In 1974, Manfred Rommel successfully ran for Oberbürgermeister (equivalent to Mayor) of Stuttgart as the candidate for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). He succeeded Arnulf Klett by securing 58.5% of the votes in the second round of elections, defeating Peter Conradi of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). His popularity was evident in his subsequent re-elections; he won in the first round in 1982 with 69.8% of the votes and again in 1990 with 71.7%. He served for a total of 22 years, retiring from the position in 1996, at which point he was granted honorary citizenship of Stuttgart. In 1978, when his mentor Hans Filbinger resigned as state premier due to his Nazi past, Rommel put himself forward as a successor but lost to Lothar Späth in the party's nomination race.

4.2. Policies and City Management

As Mayor of Stuttgart, Rommel was known for his "tolerant and liberal" administrative approach. He exerted tight control over the city's finances, significantly reducing its debt. This fiscal responsibility enabled a radical makeover of the local infrastructure, particularly improving roads and public transport. A key aspect of his policies was his strong advocacy for the fair treatment of foreign immigrants, who were drawn to Stuttgart by its booming economy. This stance, which he steadfastly maintained, sometimes risked his popularity, but he remained committed to these principles. He also played a role in the establishment of the International Committee of Local Authorities.

4.3. Handling of Controversial Issues

Rommel gained significant public attention for his decision to allow a proper burial for the Red Army Faction (RAF) terrorists, including Andreas Baader and Gudrun Ensslin, who had committed suicide in Stammheim Prison in Stuttgart. This decision sparked intense controversy, with critics, including members of his own party, expressing concern that the graves might become a pilgrimage site for radical leftists. Despite the strong opposition, Rommel defended his decision, stating: "All enmity must end at some point and I think in this case it ends with [their] death." His actions were rooted in a belief that even those who commit heinous acts deserve a dignified end, reflecting his humanitarian principles.

4.4. International Relations and Reconciliation

During his time as Mayor, Manfred Rommel played a significant role in fostering international relations and promoting post-war reconciliation. He was particularly instrumental in strengthening Franco-German relations. A notable aspect of his efforts was his much-publicized friendships with George Patton IV and David Montgomery. George Patton IV was the son of George S. Patton, one of his father's World War II adversaries, and was assigned to the VII Corps headquarters near Stuttgart, which initiated their friendship. David Montgomery was the son of Bernard Law Montgomery, his father's other great adversary. These friendships were widely viewed as powerful symbols of Anglo-German reconciliation following the war and West Germany's admission into NATO, demonstrating a commitment to overcoming historical animosities through personal connection and mutual understanding.

5.1. Ideology and Views

Manfred Rommel's political position was consistently described as tolerant and liberal. Although a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), his philosophy leaned towards liberal conservatism. This ideology influenced his actions as mayor, particularly his emphasis on individual rights, fiscal prudence, and social integration, including his progressive stance on immigrant rights and his humanitarian approach to controversial issues.

6.1. Writing and Publications

After retiring from politics in 1996, Rommel continued to be in demand as an author, despite suffering from Parkinson's disease. He authored various books, encompassing both political commentary and humorous works. He was particularly known for his down-to-earth and often witty sayings and quotations, which were compiled into collections. Occasionally, he contributed articles to the local newspaper, the Stuttgarter Zeitung. He also collaborated with Basil Liddell-Hart on the publication of The Rommel Papers, a collection of diaries, letters, and notes written by his father during and after his military campaigns.

6.2. Public Speaking and Commentary

Despite his battle with Parkinson's disease, Rommel maintained a vibrant public presence. He was a stirring speaker and continued to engage in public discourse through speeches, lectures, and media commentary. His insights and perspectives remained valued in German society.

7.1. Family and Friendships

Manfred Rommel married Liselotte in 1954, and together they had a daughter named Catherine. He remained married to Liselotte until his death. His personal life was also notable for his deep friendships with George Patton IV and David Montgomery. These relationships, with the sons of his father's wartime adversaries, were not merely symbolic but genuine bonds that lasted throughout his life, reflecting his personal commitment to reconciliation and understanding.

8.1. Films and Media

Manfred Rommel has been portrayed by several actors in films and television series about his father during World War II:

• In the 1951 film The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel (German: Rommel, der Wüstenfuchs^German), he was played by William Reynolds.
• In the 1962 film The Longest Day (German: der längste Tag^German), Michael Hinz portrayed Manfred Rommel. Notably, Hinz's father, Werner Hinz, played Field Marshal Rommel in the same film.
• In the 1989 television miniseries War and Remembrance, he was played by Matthias Hinze.
• In the 2012 film Rommel, Patrick Mölleken took on the role of Manfred Rommel.

Additionally, interviews with Manfred Rommel concerning his father are featured in the 2021 documentary Rommel: The Soldier, The Son, and Hitler, narrated by Greg Kinnear.

9.1. Major Awards and Distinctions

Manfred Rommel was the recipient of many honors. He once humorously remarked about the extensive list of his awards, writing: "Die Zahl der Titel will nicht enden. Am Grabstein stehet: bitte wenden!" which translates to: "The number of honors seems to be endless. The inscription on my gravestone will read: Please turn over!"

His major awards and distinctions include:

• 1978: Great Cross of Merit (with star in 1989, and sash in 1996)
• 1979: Honorary citizen of Cairo
• 1982: Orden wider den tierischen Ernst, recognized for his sense of humor
• 1982: Grand Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau of the Netherlands
• 1982: Honorary Senator of the University of Applied Sciences Stuttgart
• 1984: General-Clay Medal
• 1985: Knight of the Légion d'honneur of the French Republic
• 1987: Guardian of Jerusalem
• 1987: Grand Officer Cross of Merit of the Italian Republic
• 1990: Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
• 1990: Medal of Merit of the State of Baden-Württemberg
• 1990: Dr. Friedrich Lehner Medal, for his contributions to the development of public transport
• 1990: Bonding medal for German-American friendship
• 1992: Honorary doctorate of the University of Maryland
• 1993: Golden Order of Merit of the IAAF
• 1995: Otto Hirsch Medal
• 1996: Honorary Citizen of the City of Stuttgart
• 1996: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Award for Distinguished Public Service (US)
• 1996: Friedrich E. Vogt Medal for Services to the Swabian dialect
• 1996: Honorary doctorate of the University of Wales
• 1996: Appointed Professor
• 1997: Price of the Entente Franco-Allemande, for German-French friendship
• 1997: Honorary member of the German Association of Cities
• 1997: Heinz Herbert Karry Prize
• 1998: Dolf Sternberger Award
• 2008: Hans-Peter-Stihl Preis
• Honorary doctorate of the University of Missouri

9.2. Memorials and Legacy

Manfred Rommel's legacy is honored through several posthumous recognitions. Following his death, Stuttgart Airport officially added "Manfred Rommel" to its long-form name. Additionally, a central square in Stuttgart, which is being created as part of the Stuttgart 21 railway project, is designated to be named Manfred-Rommel-Platz.