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The Field Marshal rank in Germany dates back to the Prussian Army of the 19th century. It was later used by [[Adolf Hitler]] during [[World War II]] when he promoted twelve Field Marshals on July 19, 1940 by Adolf Hitler following the successful conclusion of the Third Reich's campaign in France.  

The Field Marshal rank in Germany dates back to the Prussian Army of the 19th century. It was later used by [[Adolf Hitler]] during [[World War II]] when he promoted twelve Field Marshals on July 19, 1940 by Adolf Hitler following the successful conclusion of the Third Reich's campaign in France.  

Hitler's most famous promotion came in January 1943 when he elevated Friedrich Paulus, commander of the Sixth German Army during the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union, to the rank during the [[Battle of Stalingrad]]. The obvious implication was that Paulus was to hold the city to the death, since no field marshal in German history had ever surrendered. Paulus later surrendered, allegedly stating "I have no intention of shooting myself for that Bohemian corporal", referring both to Hitler's non-German birth and his rank during [[World War I]].

Hitler's most famous promotion came in January 1943 when he elevated [[Friedrich Paulus]], commander of the Sixth German Army during the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union, to the rank during the [[Battle of Stalingrad]]. The obvious implication was that Paulus was to hold the city to the death, since no field marshal in German history had ever surrendered. Paulus later surrendered, allegedly stating "I have no intention of shooting myself for that Bohemian corporal", referring both to Hitler's non-German birth and his rank during [[World War I]].

Although theoretically the rank still exists in modern Germany, no one has ever been appointed to the position.

Although theoretically the rank still exists in modern Germany, no one has ever been appointed to the position.