Friedrich Paulus

German general (1890–1957)

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Lived 1890–1957, aged 67Germany

Germany Historical Figures

Fame37.8
Momentum1.1
Germany rank#73
Historical Figures rank#101
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Wikipedia
61 languages
Cross-language footprint
Rank in Germany
#73
Historical Figures
Era
1890–1957
Aged 67

Summary

Updated 2026-05-29

German general who surrendered the 6th Army at Stalingrad in 1943, becoming the first German field marshal to be taken prisoner. The battle's catastrophic outcome—around 265,000 casualties—marked a major turning point in WWII.

Biography

About

Friedrich Wilhelm Ernst Paulus was a German Generalfeldmarschall during World War II who is best known for his surrender of the German 6th Army during the Battle of Stalingrad. The battle ended in disaster for the Wehrmacht when Soviet forces encircled the Germans within the city, leading to the ultimate death or capture of most of the 265,000-strong 6th Army, their Axis allies, and collaborators.

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