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.

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.

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.