Anton Ludwig August von Mackensen (Born 6 December 1849), born August Mackensen, is a German field marshal and current Generalfeldmarschall of the Deutsches Heer. He commanded with extreme success during the Weltkrieg and became one of the German Empire's most prominent and competent military leaders. After the war he has remained one of the leading figures behind the German military doctrin, based on his experience gained during the war. Mackensen was born in Haus Leipnitz, near the village of