Gerd von Rundstedt

The morale of the troops taking part was astonishingly high at the start of the offensive. They really believed victory was possible - unlike the higher commanders, who knew the facts.

— Gerd von Rundstedt

We are in no position to withstand a prolonged static war. Wherever the allies concentrate their forces they will break through. For us there can be no question of military victory or of winning the war. Our only hope is to hold on long enough to allow some development on the political front to save Germany from complete collapse.

— Gerd von Rundstedt

It is madness to attempt to hold. In the first place the troops cannot do it and in the second place if they do not retreat they will be destroyed. I repeat that this order be rescinded or that you find someone else.

— Gerd von Rundstedt

The vast-ness of Russia devours us.

— Gerd von Rundstedt

We should have known better after the first war.

— Gerd von Rundstedt

Just as the defending force has gathered valuable experience from...Dieppe, so has the assaulting force...He will not do it like this a second time.

— Gerd von Rundstedt

I strongly object to the fact that this stupid operation in the Ardennes is sometimes called the 'Rundstedt Offensive'. This is a complete misnomer. I had nothing to do with it. It came to me as an order complete to the last detail. Hitler had even written on the plan in his own handwriting "not to be altered."

— Gerd von Rundstedt

Make peace, you fools!

— Gerd von Rundstedt

It is a pity that this faithful youth is sacrificed in a hopeless situation.

— Gerd von Rundstedt

Three factors defeated us in the West where I was in command. First, the unheard-of superiority of your air force, which made all movement in daytime impossible. Second, the lack of motor fuel - oil and gas - so that the Panzers and even the Luftwaffe were unable to move. Third, the systematic destruction of all railway communications so that it was impossible to bring one single railroad train across the Rhine.

— Gerd von Rundstedt

Nothing would have been changed for the German people, but my name would have gone down in history as that of the greatest traitor.

— Gerd von Rundstedt