 So Erich became leader of the S.S. Black Guard, Hitler's private army, which executes his private revenges and guards his person ...When at last Poland made a stand for democracy, it was Rommel who led a panzer corps against the Polish horse cavalry with conspicuous gallantry.Later in France Hitler made him a Knight of the Iron Cross for breaking through the Maginot Line at Maubeuge with the 7th Armoured Division.