Rommel was never a member of the Nazi party, although there is much confusion about that because Goebbels' propaganda machine put out a mostly fictional bio saying he was.
Rommel was for a time an officer in Hitler's personal bodyguard and became one of his favorite generals. That helped him get an early promotion to General and a plum assignment to command one of the Panzer Divisions in the invasion of France, which he could see was the Next Big Thing. Rommel was known for daring infantry tactics and took well to panzer tactics.
The idea to invade France through the Ardennes was Manstein's but Rommel's execution was outstanding.
Rommel's relations with Hitler turned icy during the Battle of Normandy when he and Rundstedt repeatedly requested permission to use active defense tactics, strategic withdrawals and counterattacks. Hitler refused to allow any retreat, forcing them into the war of attrition that ultimately broke their army.
Rommel was not part of the generals' plot. He was, however, friendly with some who were disaffected with Hitler and with some of the conspirators. That was enough for Hitler, who allowed his favorite general to commit suicide and have a hero's funeral, rather than the piano wire hangings he meted out to the conspirators.
Rommel's son became an officer in the Bundeswehr, was pro-Western and an ardent small-d democrat.
“Yes! Lot’s of misinformation on this thread.”
Well, it IS the internet. :p)
Rommel was a very interesting soldier.
At only 5’6” he was definitely on the short side but his knowledge and daring more than made up for it.
Rommel was in charge of Hitler’s security detail during the invasion of Poland. He used his position there to get a command for the invasion of France.
During the invasion of France he sent part of his 7th Panzer division racing ahead to take strategic crossroads, instructing them to leave anti-tank guns at a crossroad.
After getting the rest of the division rolling he jumped into his staff car and arrived at the anti-tank guns just as some French tanks came into view.
He went down the line telling each gun which tank to fire at.
Those tanks blowed up real good.
While trying to cross the Meuse river Rommel jumped into the water himself to help the engineers building the pontoon bridge.
He also manned a machine gun to help beat off a counter attack.
The man loved being in the thick of the action.
When he had been given command of 7th Panzer most senior officers dismissed him as a butt kisser.
By the time he reached Dieppe no one was doubting his ability.
Given the supply situation in North Africa Rommel did much better than anyone else could have.
As for Normandy, Hitler was positive that the invasion would come at Calais.
Rommel had studied every previous allied landing and correctly predicted Normandy as the invasion point.
Hitler was so sure that he would only let the Panzer divisions move on his personal order.
By then it was too late.
Rommels biggest attraction to Hitler was rebuilding the army. When Hitler started re-arming Rommel stated that it was honorable to be a soldier again.
Though he loved the Wermacht Erwin Rommel detested the Waffen-SS.
When he was in Italy he had the SS units transferred out of his area of command and had none in North Africa.
He reportedly made Manfred promise he would never join the SS.
Manfred Rommel joined the military at age 14 and helped man an anti-aircraft gun.
FWIW could you imagine an army with Guderian, Rommel and Patton as the field commanders?
Just point them in a direction and get out of the way!