• Steel Boat Iron Hearts

  • A U-boat Crewman's Life Aboard U-505
  • By: Hans Goebeler, John Vanzo
  • Narrated by: Norman Dietz
  • Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (451 ratings)

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Steel Boat Iron Hearts  By  cover art

Steel Boat Iron Hearts

By: Hans Goebeler, John Vanzo
Narrated by: Norman Dietz
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Publisher's summary

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

What listeners say about Steel Boat Iron Hearts

Average customer ratings
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  • 03-14-19

Amazing!

Totally riveting account of the most hazardous duty in modern warfare's history. So many times this story caused chills to run up and down my spine. These truly were the bravest of the brave. The horror of being hunted and blasted by bombs in a submerged metal can. combined with all the vivid personal interactions make this a must read for anyone interested in WW2. And refreshing to hear an honest story from the other side of this horrible conflict that had such a devastating effect on all of the people of Europe. No holds barred. raw and honest. Now I must head to Chicago to visit U-505!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

This book is terrific, although not mesmerizing...

The author is an enlisted German sailor - and one cannot expect the lyrical presentation of Will Durant - yet it is important to see the unvarnished and often times unrepentant perspective of someone who was both “on the losing side“ but was also there. As such, I think this is an invaluable piece of history. The author, in my opinion, is to be admired not only for the revelation of his boots on the ground perspective, but for his refusal to “varnish” the past with politically correct shellack. Very refreshing. And at the same time the book presents some troubling questions for the victors… Forced labor, enslavement and war crimes were obviously notThe sole purview of the Germans. Highly recommended

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Eye opening book

Well written and presented.. Great insight into challenging conditions inside a German u-boat. Enjoyed the philosophical tone of looking at fellow combatants in a different light.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not impressed with the narration

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

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11 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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A different view....Awesome book!

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

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  • 08-16-22

A story you can go see…

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

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Amazing!!!!

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

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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

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Genuine Memoir

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

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