[AVGWarhawk]

German U-Boats and their American counterparts had similiar technology which was common in world war two before the entering of the type XXI Electroboot.

True but the Americans improved their techology when German unexploded torpedoes were found on the beaches of the US east coast.

But also I would imagine their tactics, philosophies, etc were different. Germany's U-Boats formed the bulk of their navy, However only a small percentage of the U.S. navy were Diesel Submarines. (I tend to call any diesel sub U-Boats but most don't so this terminology is to avoid confusion)

So the question being, What did they do differently? The only one that comes to mind is that I've noticed that American subs tend to keep their distance while German U-Boats would try and get in close.

One difference was the US skippers were not instructed in night time surface attacks. As far as close, I believe they were instructed to fire only we in 1000 yards from the target. A lot of the skippers were quite gutzy and got closer. I believe the aggressivness was about the same. But, this only happened after many skippers from the old Navy school doctrine of playing safe were removed for more aggressive skippers.

Also Americans seemed stricter on their dress code while on U-Boats the crew wore mostly their home clothes. I've never seen photos of returning American crews with beards.

As mentioned, showers and air conditioning. Most skippers would leave it up to the crew if they wanted to grow a beard. Most made a contest out of it for the thickest longest beards.

I find U-Boats more facinating in both the technology and the lifestyle however I'd be interested in knowing how it was for Americans as well.

There is a bit more alure and mystique with the U boats but you will find the boys in the Pacific had their challanges and tribulations.