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!

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!

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

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.

Incredibly Detailed Storytelling

I loved how in depth this book was. It really does cast a light on an otherwise unknown subject of WWII history.

Firsthand personal account

The story of U-505 from an enlisted sailor’s perspective. Insightful and compelling narrative brings us history from the seaman’s viewpoint. An excellently composed story.