The nickname itself sticks out considering he was a German general on the eastern front, so how did he merit it? Did it come instead from the first world war? Thanks for any responses!
That's an improper translation. Hube was known as "Der Mensch" (The Man, as in the context "After winning the hearts with his bravery and courage we saw him as 'the man'"). This was because of his alleged willingness to speak out and for general battlefield bravery despite being a senior officer.