Steel Boat Iron Hearts

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

By: Hans Goebeler, John Vanzo

Narrated by: 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.

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.

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.