Erwin Rommel was a highly decorated officer of World War I who wrote a book on military tactics called Infantry Attacks. It was said Hitler read the book himself, too, but it was not until the second World War that he became well-known.

At the time, Hitler rose to power and placed Rommel as one of his trusted allies. He distinguished himself as the commander of the 7th Panzer Division during the 1940 invasion of France. During the North American campaign, his leadership of German and Italian forces established his reputation as one of the best tank commanders of the war, earning his nickname, “the Desert FoThe enemy commanders of Britain even admired his reputation. However, because of his hands-on approach as a Nazi commander, it was no surprise that he brushed skin with death numerous times.

Here are some of those instances.

Almost Shot to Oblivion

In 1940, Rommel was the tank commander in France of the 7th Panzer Divison, later known as the “Ghost Division.” Composed of about 218 tanks, Rommel was basically unprepared for a new style of warfare during the period between assuming command of the division at Bad Godesberg, Germany, and the German invasion of France that happened in early May. Wanting to see some action after his long break from combat, he moved in and out of tanks and onto combat vehicles to lead the troops forward personally.