Comment by blini-kot

great comment, just wanted to add a little: all three countries were pioneering rocketry in the 20-30s, more or less in equal measure.

I don't know why this WW2 rocket discussion happened to begin with, but people here don't seem to understand that there is no magical inherent technical skill which is unique and irreplaceable. Experience helps to speed things up, sure, but it can be acquired by any program given time and resources, with no talent blockers.