Back in Time Today
When it comes to World War II, tales of battlefield valor and strategic brilliance are legendary—but few stories match the audacity and impact of the U-505, a German U-boat snatched from the depths by American forces. Capturing an enemy submarine was nearly unthinkable, yet in 1944, the U.S. Navy pulled off one of the most daring naval feats of the entire war. Here’s the jaw-dropping story behind the Nazi sub that went from hunter to historic prize.
1. The U.S. Navy Was Ordered Not to Capture Submarines
Military policy at the time was crystal clear: enemy submarines were to be sunk, not seized. Yet, in a daring move, the crew of Task Group 22.3, led by Captain Daniel Gallery, took a calculated risk. They had the audacity to attempt capturing rather than destroying a Nazi U-boat.
This unconventional decision led to one of the most extraordinary naval victories of World War II. The capture wasn’t just about breaking orders; it was about using sheer audacity to gain a strategic advantage. Gallery’s gamble paid off, and the U.S. Navy gained invaluable intelligence.
2. First Enemy Warship Capture Since 1815
U-505’s capture marked a historical milestone—it was the first time since the War of 1812 that the U.S. seized an enemy vessel on the high seas. The last capture of an enemy warship at sea by the U.S. occurred more than a century earlier, making this feat all the more remarkable.
This achievement was not only a testament to American naval prowess but also demonstrated how tactics had evolved. The audacity of seizing a warship rather than destroying it added a new chapter to naval history books.
3. U-505 Was Part of Hitler’s Deadly Wolfpacks
The U-505 wasn’t just any submarine; it was a formidable member of Hitler’s notorious wolfpacks. These groups of U-boats were tasked with cutting off Allied supply lines across the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
As part of this elite fleet, U-505 played a crucial role in the Kriegsmarine’s strategy, making its capture a significant blow to Nazi operations. The apprehension of such a pivotal asset turned the tides of war, proving that the wolfpack was not invincible.
4. The Capture Happened Just Off the Coast of West Africa
On June 4, 1944, while the world focused on D-Day preparations, a remarkable naval engagement unfolded near Cape Verde. This strategically timed operation caught the Germans off guard, leading to the capture of U-505.
The choice of location was both strategic and serendipitous, allowing the U.S. Navy to execute their daring plan without interference. The successful capture of the U-boat so far from European waters underscored the global scale of World War II and the reach of American naval power.
5. The Submarine Was Caught Completely by Surprise
In a twist of fate, U-505 found itself on the surface, completely unaware of the threat lurking nearby. Depth charges forced it to emerge, and when it did, the crew had no choice but to abandon ship.
The suddenness of the attack left the submarine vulnerable, allowing American forces to board. This unexpected move left the Germans stunned and marked a decisive victory for the Allies. The element of surprise played a crucial role, turning the tables on the mighty U-boat.
6. Navy Sailors Raced to Stop It from Sinking
Once aboard the U-505, American sailors faced a race against time. With water flooding in and demolition charges about to detonate, the stakes were high. These brave men acted swiftly, disarming explosives and shutting valves to stabilize the submarine.
Their quick thinking and courage saved the U-boat from a watery grave, preserving a treasure trove of intelligence. This action highlighted the bravery and resourcefulness of the sailors, who against all odds, managed to keep the historic prize afloat.
7. Seized Top-Secret Nazi Codebooks and Equipment
Among the spoils of the U-505 capture were invaluable Enigma machines and codebooks, crucial tools for Nazi communication. These items proved to be a cryptographic goldmine for the Allies.
The intelligence gathered from these resources allowed Allied cryptographers to decipher German codes, staying one step ahead of enemy plans. This windfall of information was a game-changer, giving the Allies a strategic upper hand and altering the course of the war. The capture of this equipment was a crucial intelligence victory.
8. The Capture Was Kept Secret for Almost a Year
To prevent the Germans from realizing their codes were compromised, the U.S. kept the U-505’s capture under wraps. For nearly a year, the operation remained one of the war’s best-kept secrets.
The deception ensured that the captured intelligence could be used without alerting the enemy. This careful secrecy allowed the Allies to exploit the information fully, turning it into a strategic advantage. The decision to keep the capture confidential showcased the importance of intelligence in warfare.
9. The German Crew Was Held in Total Isolation
The 58 crew members of U-505 found themselves in a peculiar situation post-capture. They were taken to a secret POW camp where they were held in total isolation.
Denied contact with the Red Cross or any outside world news, the crew remained unaware of their U-boat’s fate. This isolation was crucial to ensure that the Germans did not learn about the capture’s success. It was a psychological twist of warfare, keeping both the crew and the enemy in the dark.
10. It Took Decades for the Crew to Learn the Truth
For years after the war, the surviving crew of U-505 remained in the dark about the pivotal role their capture had played. It wasn’t until decades later that they learned how their surrender had impacted the war’s outcome.
The revelation came as a shock, adding a new layer to their personal histories. This delay in truth underscores the complicated narratives of war, where soldiers often remain unaware of the larger strategic impacts of their actions.
11. The Submarine’s Design Was Cutting-Edge for Its Time
U-505 was a marvel of engineering, boasting a range of over 13,000 miles and equipped with deadly torpedoes. Its design reflected the advanced German technology of the era, built for long-distance patrols and deadly attacks.
The submarine’s capabilities allowed it to lurk in the shadows, threatening Allied convoys from afar. The cutting-edge design made it a formidable adversary, and its capture provided valuable insights into enemy technology. This intelligence later influenced post-war submarine development.
12. The Capture Earned a Presidential Unit Citation
The daring mission to capture U-505 did not go unnoticed. The entire task group involved in the operation received a prestigious Presidential Unit Citation. Captain Daniel Gallery, who orchestrated the capture, became a Navy legend.
This recognition was well-deserved, highlighting the bravery and innovation of the crew. Their actions not only made history but demonstrated the power of innovation and courage in warfare. The honors bestowed upon them immortalized their place in naval lore.
13. It Became a Cold War Secret Weapon… Briefly
For a brief period, U-505 served as a secret study for U.S. engineers. By examining its design and technology, they gained insights that influenced postwar submarine development.
This hidden chapter in the U-boat’s story showed how its capture continued to pay dividends beyond World War II. The intelligence gleaned from studying the submarine contributed to Cold War-era advancements, reflecting the ongoing value of captured technology.
14. Today, You Can Visit the U-505 in Chicago
In 1954, U-505 found a permanent home as a stunning exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. Visitors can explore the only Type IXC U-boat on display in the U.S., experiencing a piece of history up close.
The exhibit serves as a poignant reminder of the war’s impact and the daring capture that made it possible. It invites visitors to step back in time and learn about the bravery and innovation that shaped history.
15. It’s One of the Most Famous Submarines in History
From the depths of the Atlantic to the shores of Lake Michigan, U-505 has become an iconic piece of naval history. Its journey from feared enemy weapon to educational artifact captivates visitors.
As a silent relic, the submarine tells stories of bravery, intelligence, and strategic triumphs. Its legacy continues to educate and inspire, reminding us of the courage and innovation that shaped the outcome of World War II.