Steel Boat Iron Hearts

A U-boat Crewman's Life Aboard U-505

De: Hans Goebeler, John Vanzo

Narrado por: Norman Dietz

Using his own experiences, log books, and correspondence with other U-boat crewmen, Hans Goebeler offers rich and personal details about what life was like in the German Navy under Hitler. Since his first and last posting was to U-505, Goebeler's perspective of the crew, commanders, and war patrols paints a vivid and complete portrait unlike any other to come out of the Kriegsmarine. He witnessed it all, from deadly sabotage efforts that almost sunk the boat to the tragic suicide of the only U-boat commander who took his life during World War II. The vivid, honest, and smooth-flowing prose calls it like it was and pulls no punches.

U-505 was captured by Captain Dan Gallery's Guadalcanal Task Group 22.3 on June 4, 1944. Trapped by this "hunter-killer" group, U-505 was depth-charged to the surface, strafed by machine gun fire, and boarded. It was the first ship captured at sea since the War of 1812. Today, hundreds of thousands of visitors tour U-505 each year at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.

This edition includes a special foreword by Keith Gill, curator of U-505 at the Museum of Science and Industry.

©2008 Hans Jacob Goebeler and John Vanzo (P)2016 Tantor

Amazing!!!!

Great Book!; and full of life from a U Boat crewman aspect. is a definite keeper. Book won't let you down.

You are there!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely. I have a very good friend who I have suggested either buy the book or get Audible - preferably the latter. Hans and Norman put the reader/listener on that boat from beginning to end during WWII. Having been an enlisted sailor in the Navy, I can relate to his thoughts and feelings and enjoyed every second of my commute. Now, I would like to visit Chicago to see U-505 and get more info and maps. Thank you both for a terrific book.

What other book might you compare Steel Boat Iron Hearts to and why?

None

What about Norman Dietz’s performance did you like?

He voiced Han's thoughts very well.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No

Genuine Memoir

The real deal, with all the good, bad, and ugly. The narrator drones a bit, my only complaint.

EXCELLENT LOOK INTO THE LIFE OF A U BOAT SAILOR

Where does Steel Boat Iron Hearts rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Extremely entertaining and informative in the style of Das Boot and Sharks and Little Fish. The narration was above par.

Any additional comments?

Unfortunately, the author was an unrepentant Nazi who was part of the Hitler youth. He was quite willing to die for his Fuhrer and country even towards the end. He expressed his admiration for this madman and genocidal maniac. I could understand his initial admiration for Hitler's economic recovery efforts. However, the author never mentions anything about the darker side of the Nazi movement making me think he was a advocate of all that was perpetrated.

I Loved it! Sailor's View.

I liked a regular frontline sailor's view and that's what I got! I also appreciate that he was not trying to be politically correct, but telling how he honestly felt.

Outstanding book

A well written and honest story about from perspectives I never considered. I enjoyed this book and constantly found myself googling places, people aircraft, and boats related to the U505. I highly recommend it and plan on buying a physical copy.

Not impressed with the narration

Disliked the unnecessary fake German soldier enthusiasm. The voice was annoying and made it bad.

Incredible Story

I really enjoyed the rare account of the actual workings of a WW2 German U-Boot from one of its crew members. I am thankful that there are survivors of that history willing and able to share their story with the world.

A different view....Awesome book!

Awesome recount of "the other side". Best paired with Tom Hank's Greyhound film. Awesome book. Must read.

A story you can go see…

Exacting account of what submariners endured for months, never leaving the boat. Tested every aspect of limitations.