Erich von Manstein was born in 1953.
Erich von Manstein . Later known as the `` backhand blow '' , Manstein 's counteroffensive in the Third Battle of Kharkov ( February -- March 1943 ) regained substantial territory and resulted in the destruction of three Soviet armies and the retreat of three others . His ongoing disagreements with Hitler over the conduct of the war led to his dismissal in March 1944 .