Title says it all. When they were down to the last command post on January 31 1943, Hitler appointed Paulus field marshal, I know he expected him to commit suicide but why the promotion, other than Hitler being a maniac. They knew the Russians were going to be there at any hour then. Would this have something to do with it? I read this on wikipedia. "Hitler expected Paulus to commit suicide,[2] repeating to his staff that there was no precedent of a German field marshal ever being captured alive." I find Eastern Front WWII fascinating so answers are appreciated.
Edit: Why did Hitler promote*
On January 25th few days before Stalingrad fell, Paulus sent Hitler a message asking for permission to surrender stressing that the 6th army was out of supplies and ammunition. Hitler refused. Then on January 30th, Paulus informed Hitler that his remaining remnants were hours away from collapse. Hitler responded by promoting many of the senior officers to encourage them to hold out or die in their positions. For Paulus he promoted him to Field Marshal and noted in his promotion declaration verbatim that no German of Prussian Field Marshal had ever surrendered. Hitler did this solely to encourage Paulus to commit suicide or die in the last foxhole so to speak. Other than that there was no reason to promote him. Paulus had not won a great victory or served with great distinction to deserve the promotion.
On why Paulus didn't commit suicide; he was noted for his disdain of Hitler and commented on his promotion, "I have no intention of shooting myself for this Bohemian Corporal." He was also a devout Roman Catholic and held suicide as a grave mortal sin.
Beevor, Antony (1998) Stalingrad, The Fateful Siege: 1942–1943. New York, Penguin Books