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What role did Paul Ludwig von Kleist play in the German invasion of France?
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Battle of France
Adolf Hitler (center) in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris shortly after signing an armistice with France, June 1940.
During the German invasion of France in 1940, General Paul Ludwig von Kleist commanded a large armored formation known as Panzer Group Kleist, which was a key component of Gerd von Rundstedt’s Army Group A.1
His role was central to the success of the German offensive through the Ardennes Forest, a region the French had deemed impassable for tanks. Key aspects of his command included:21
- Crossing the Meuse: On May 13, 1940, forces under his command achieved a decisive threefold crossing of the Meuse River near Sedan, supported by heavy Luftwaffe air bombardment that shattered French morale.21
- Leading the Breakthrough: His panzer units spearheaded the rapid advance into open country, effectively severing communications between Allied forces in the north and south.21
- Protecting the Flank: As his subordinate units, such as those led by Heinz Guderian, raced toward the English Channel, Kleist protected the southwestern flank of the advance by lining the Aisne River with tanks until infantry could arrive to relieve them.1