Friedrich von Paulus was a German general during World War II, best known for his role as the commander of the 6th Army during the Battle of Stalingrad. Born on January 23, 1890, he joined the German Army in 1910 and rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a major general. His leadership during the Stalingrad campaign was marked by significant challenges, including supply shortages and fierce Soviet resistance. After the defeat at Stalingrad in early 1943, von Paulus was captured by the Red Army. He later became a Soviet prisoner of war and was eventually released in 1953. Following the war, he settled in East Germany and published his memoirs, reflecting on his experiences and the war's impact.