Sepp Dietrich vs Walther von Brauchitsch

Dietrich became commander of Hitler's personal bodyguard unit, the SS-Stabswache Berlin. This role gave him direct access to Hitler and helped him rise in the SS hierarchy.

Dietrich commanded the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler, which grew from a bodyguard unit into a full division. He led it in the invasions of Poland, France, and the Balkans.

Dietrich was tried at the Dachau trials for the Malmedy Massacre and other war crimes. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, but was released in 1955.

Brauchitsch was appointed Oberbefehlshaber des Heeres (Commander-in-Chief of the German Army) after the Blomberg-Fritsch affair. He was a compliant figure who oversaw the army's preparations for World War II. He led the army during the invasions of Poland, France, and the Soviet Union.

Brauchitsch commanded the German Army during the successful invasion of France and the Low Countries. The campaign, based on the Manstein Plan, resulted in the rapid defeat of France and the evacuation of British forces from Dunkirk. This victory established German hegemony in Western Europe.

Brauchitsch commanded the German Army during the invasion of the Soviet Union. The initial campaign achieved massive encirclements and territorial gains. However, the failure to capture Moscow and the onset of winter led to a strategic defeat. Brauchitsch was blamed for the failure and resigned.

Brauchitsch resigned as Army Commander-in-Chief after the failure of Operation Typhoon and the Soviet counteroffensive at Moscow. Hitler assumed direct command of the army, a position he held for the remainder of the war. Brauchitsch's resignation marked the end of the army's professional independence.