Wilhelm von Leeb

German general

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July 22, 2026

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Wilhelm von Leeb was a German general who commanded the Army Group North during Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union in World War II. His forces advanced from East Prussia into the Baltic states with the objective of capturing Leningrad.1

Leeb's military career began in World War I, and he rose through the ranks, serving as chief of staff to General Gerd von Rundstedt during the invasion of Poland. He was promoted to field marshal in 1942. After the initial successes of Operation Barbarossa, Leeb's northward drive on Leningrad was halted by Adolf Hitler as winter approached. He was eventually dismissed by Hitler in March 1944.21

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Battle of France
Allied defenses and the German plan of attack
Wilhelm von Leeb’s Army Group C would demonstrate against the Maginot Line, and Gen. Fedor von Bock’s Army Group B would carry out the invasion of Belgium and the Netherlands. Allied armies would thus be drawn forward into Belgium in accordance with their expectations of…
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Wilhelm von Leeb’s Army Group C would demonstrate against the Maginot Line, and Gen. Fedor von Bock’s Army Group B would carry out the invasion of Belgium and the Netherlands. Allied armies would thus be drawn forward into Belgium in accordance with their expectations of…
Read More