The Passing of The Desert Fox, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel October 14, 1944 82 years ago today, Rommel finally awoke from a coma induced by injuries sustained when Allied aircraft attacked his vehicle in Normandy. While he was recovering, Himmler ordered the Secret State Police to round up potential traitors at the Volksgerichtshof, and execute any suspected of involvement in the July 20 plot to assassinate their Fuhrer. Rommel's growing discontentment with the war and the testimony of certain arrested individuals linking him to the conspiracy placed him in jeopardy. Generals Burgdorf and Maisel visit Rommel in Herrlingen, presenting him with an ultimatum. Rommel's 15 year old son Manfred, would recount the events: "A few minutes later I heard my father come upstairs and go into my mother's room. Anxious to know what was afoot, I got up and followed him. He was standing in the middle of the room, his face pale. 'Come outside with me,' he said in a tight voice. We went into my room. 'I have just had to tell your mother,' he began slowly, 'that I shall be dead in a quarter of an hour.' He was calm as he continued: 'To die by the hand of one's own people is hard. But the house is surrounded and Hitler is charging me with high treason. ' "In view of my services in Africa," ' he quoted sarcastically, 'I am to have the chance of dying by poison. The two generals have brought it with them. It's fatal in three seconds. If I accept, none of the usual steps will be taken against my family, that is against you. They will also leave my staff alone. My father now spoke more quickly. He again said how useless it was to attempt to defend ourselves. 'It's all been prepared to the last detail. I'm to be given a state funeral. I have asked that it should take place in Ulm. [a town near Rommel's home]... He looked at his watch. 'I must go, they've only given me ten minutes." After a brief departure from the residence, Burgdorf provides Rommel with a cyanide capsule. Several minutes later, the Field Marshal is declared deceased. Besides hearsay, it's unclear if Rommel played a role in any plot. A radio broadcast is sent out, declaring Rommel has succumbed to his severe injuries from the Allied attack in Normandy. Hitler orders a state funeral with full military honors to be held on October 18, 1944.