German mountain troops disembark in Crete

Mountain troops

Erwin Rommel with Major General Alfred Gause (center standing) and Colonel Erwin Menny (far left sitting) , North Africa, Jun 1942.

Staff Meeting

General Hermann Balck leading an armored column in Greece. A highly decorated soldier, he was one of only 27 officers during the war to earn the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. IMHO, he was of high moral character much like Rommel. He was only accused of one crime,which was  against a subordinate officer who was drunk on duty. Balck had him shot by a firing squad without conducting a military tribunal. He was sentenced ( post war ) to 3 years, but only served half. He went on to become a NATO advisor.