A U-boat Crewman's Life Aboard U-505 - Steel Boat Iron Hearts

Thoroughly enjoyable fast paced read highlighting the dangers and discomforts of submariners during WWII. A part of history shared by brave men on both sides. The only disappointment
nt I found in Mr. Gruber' s expressions of devout patriotism was any remorse for Germany's evils that came to light after the war.
.

Faced with likely death and with the ultimate loss of the war, these submariners never entertained the thought of surrender. Interesting mentality this is, particularly when blowing up unsuspecting cargo ships. But it is an exciting book in parts and descriptive of the extremely difficult and crowded conditions living in a metal tube under the sea. I also thought that German engineers might have designed a better toilet than a bucket in the engine room.

This book is very interesting and very entertaining. Apparently there are opposing stories about this crew floating around out there. I would like to read this bit of history from another's viewpoint, just to see. But I really like this author's easy writing.

There have been many accounts of U-Boat life from the point of view of the Commanding Officer, or occasionally one of the other officers. This is the first account I have seen from the "deckplate" level. As an officer and former enlistedman myself I could really appreciate the differences. A well-told story.

I very much enjoyed this book; submarines are so different from surface vessels. I was in the South Pacific WWII yet I never saw a Sub. In post war days l was in school with a submariner. He did not talk much.

This a terrific journal of a sailors experience aboard a U Boat during WW11, he explains quite a bit about the day-to-day goings on aboard one of these boats, and the idiosyncrasy of the officers and military "thinking" in general. I thought it a great read.

I volunteer at the Museum of Science and Industry where the U-505 is on display and the fact that I grew up in the Chicago area on the south side (near where Gene eventually settled) makes the story somewhat personal and heart-warming.

Great read. Only disappointment was hoped for more details after capture, but a great story. Fascinating to compare perceptions of those on opposite sides. When you read about those protecting the convoys, they were certaintheir slow speed made them a target. But when you read this book you realize how much time was lost chasing convoys that were too fast for the uboat.

Good read about life aboard a German sub. Entertaining informative and well written. We generally have a negative view of Germany when it comes to WWII. Hans does a good job explaining that the jobs they performed were not anti American but instead for German pride.

A very interesting insight into U-Boat operations - in particular the sabotage by French dockyard workers and the onshore activities of crews between missions. Confirms the validity of the opening scenes in "Das Boot". I have video of the capture of U505 so was pleased to get the other side of the story.

A very revealing story of how, after the first year or so of World War II, German submarines were the hunted, rather than the hunters. And it recounts the troubles submarines had with sabotage at their French ports. This particular sub was captured and now resides in humiliation at a museum in Chicago.

Experience this deadly war from the perspective of an articulate common sailor on the German side. You will learn how similar were the thoughts and motives were the men of both sides brought to arms by the grievous failures of those in power on both sides.

A very interesting insight into U-Boat operations - in particular the sabotage by French dockyard workers and the onshore activities of crews between missions. Confirms the validity of the opening scenes in "Das Boot". I have video of the capture of U505 so was pleased to get the other side of the story.

A very revealing story of how, after the first year or so of World War II, German submarines were the hunted, rather than the hunters. And it recounts the troubles submarines had with sabotage at their French ports. This particular sub was captured and now resides in humiliation at a museum in Chicago.

Experience this deadly war from the perspective of an articulate common sailor on the German side. You will learn how similar were the thoughts and motives were the men of both sides brought to arms by the grievous failures of those in power on both sides.

This book reminded me that although governments and nations can wage wars, ultimately it is the individual sailors and soldiers who are asked to make the ultimate sacrifices. These were good and brave men. They were loyal to Germany just as we expect our military personnel to be loyal Americans.

I really enjoyed this book. I have been fascinated with WWII history since I learned to read. For most of my life, I read books from the American's perspective. In the back of my mind, I always wondered how our enemies lived and fought. I have read several books written by German military men lately. This is among the best I have read so far. If you are interested in what "the other guys" were thinking, read this book. I could not put it down.

A refreshing view of the second World War from the "other" side. Author is objective most of the time, expresses a sailor's opinion and provides a lot of information about life on an early submarine. Enjoyed the book quite a bit.

Definitely a must-read for those who like material like this. It shows you that most Germans were not "nazi monsters" and, in fact, very civilized in their behavior (as far as that goes in wartime, at least!)

This account was very compelling...I couldn't put it down. We need to preserve all accounts of this conflict in order that we don't lose sight that every story has two sides. I only hope that future incarnations don't become politically sanitized like Sajers " The Forgotten Soldier". Understanding the complete picture gives insight into who we were fighting and their motivations.

This was a wonderful read by a sailor who experienced almost every moment of this ships time in the war. Regardless of which side they were on, the risks taken by members of the submarine services at this time are to be commended. As a former naval sailor it brought me back to my own youth and being out at sea. Recommended for anyone who loves to read about WWII and the U-505boat service.

An excellent account of life on a German submarine told by a sailor who lived through World War two against overwhelming odds of survival as shown by the tremendous losses in the German submarine forces. The story also shows the similarities between opposing forces, in that for the most part, sailors on either side did the best job they could in their efforts to simply survive and get home safely.

Honestly, a good read. I do, however, find it hard to believe this one man was directly involved in every incident he describes up to and including the failed attempt to scuttle the boat. The perspective of a crewman aboard the U boat was fascinating. Read this book, tour the actual submarine in Chicago, and top it off with a viewing of Das Boot.

Goebeler' s story of his years serving on only one submarine for his entire naval career is one that a 20 year U.S. submariner could not put down. I was personally on board U-505 at Portsmouth Navy Yard in 1951 while she and U-2513 were moored side-by-side at a pier next to USS Sea Robin SS407. She was my first submarine being converted to a Guppy Class boat with streamlining, snorkel, four batteries vs. two, and new sonar, radar, and other electronics. I knew submarines.
Several of my shipmates and I had the opportunity to go aboard U-505 and see what a German sub looked like. We thought we were tight on Sea Robin, but on inspecting 505 we were dumbfounded. How these sailors lived and worked this boat was unbelievable. What Hans and his shipmates lived through must have been unbearable.
Hans Goebeler has gone far above most submariners in living the life, bearing up under incredible stress both physical and mental, fighting the good fight, and then writing about it in detail. The wonder of it all is that he has organized a U-505 group that carries on the spirit of the boat and its legend.

Books by a former enemy always provide a different perspective on the war. Hans provides an enlisted sailor's perspective on the U-boat war. A fascinating read to one interested in submarine warfare.

Goebeler just tells it like it was with no apparent holding back. Fascinating account from an unusual perspective. I've seen the boat in Chicago, but after reading this I have to go back. Only omission is that he talks about how German soldiers have been maligned, but he seems to have never heard of the Holocaust.

The story moved right along and was interesting to read from a U-boat crewmember point of view. The summary bothered me a bit because the author did not acknowledge Germany's crimes and atrocities but rationalized by saying all sides commit atrocities.

Having visited the U505 in Chicago, but not knowing a lot about it, this book was really interesting for me. To have someone who made every cruise aboard it and who could share those stories made it a great read.

I rather enjoyed reading this book . The perspective of someone who was there and his only goal was to tell his own story was quite different from most of the history books I have read . The book has a good mix of facts and laugh out loud humor

Many books were written by the victors, as such histories usually are. This gives the reader a different angle, one showing the small world of a u-boat sailor. These were evidently very tough guys. No showers, small quarters, and the possibility of being drowned every time a ship goes overhead. Politics meant little, but the love of country was strong. The day-to-day struggles of u-boat life are laid out in detail, and it's a great learning experience. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in naval history.

A quick read, Steel Boat Iron Hearts will keep you reading at once until the end. It is a nice wrap around the magnificent boat resting in Chicago (a tour of the sub is highly recommended next time you're in Chicago).

Interesting outlook from a oppsite point of view,given to a person who was a young teenager during this conflict. The living conditions aboard the sub must have been terable by reading between the lines. A good read I would recomened the novel to anyone with a desier to see the other side. GBC Sandy, Utah

Hans Gobeler writes from his extensive and personal experiences in U 505 during the second world war. He provides an unbiased account of the realities of the battle of the Atlantic during WWII in an engaging, clear and informative manner. U 505 was known for its negative experiences during the war and the author provides interesting insights into the realities that lay behind this. The book is an intriguing insight into this aspect of the war from a German perspective.

Steel Boat, Iron Hearts rounds out my perspective on WWII. The young Germans who faced off against the young Americans on the high seas were alike, in so many ways. Hearing the German side of sub-warfare took me to a perspective, I've seldom explored. A must for WWII buffs.

Well written by a gifted story teller. Emphasizes the difference between 1940s German and American culture, with respect to discipline, attitude, and wartime goals.
I have visited the sub on display at the museum in Chicago, and lived through that war. I'm a vet of the Korean conflict as well.
The au

I enjoyed this look at the Battle of the Atlantic from the view of an ordinary seaman from the German navy. The reader learns what life was like in a cramped U Boat on long and dangerous voyages. The book gave an interesting look into the life of the only German submarine now in US waters near Chicago.

Hans Goebeler has herein told the story of Diesel Boat sailors of all nations during WW2. The perspective as written by a German submariner is enlightening, and although it is hard to give an "atta-boy" to his boat when it was our ships it was sinking, the story still makes one say "wow" what a life. This is an easy and good read.

An first person account aways gives a better understanding then an whitewashed revision of history years later. Most History writers can,t help injecting their own opinions to situations they have never been exposed to. This book puts you in the control room of the U 505.