Strange Norwegian war hero:

[Aktungbby]

In editing a missing photo of Reinhard Hardegan in one of my earlier posts, the last surviving WWII U boat ace (age 104! ) I came across this gem: https://www.norwegianamerican.com/featured/a-tale-of-two-mariners-on-the-mercy-of-some-u-boat-captains/

Last January, the Norwegian Defense Department invited the public to suggest the names of previously unknown World War II heroes, with an eye to their being officially recognized. By early May, more than 400 suggestions had been received. In an article on that total, Aftenposten published illustrated summaries of the outstanding six suggestions. Among them was German U-boat captain Reinhard Hardegen, who was credited with saving Norwegian war sailors and others from death at sea.

Historien om Hardegen er interessant, og den er et godt eksempel på at krigshistorien ikke alltid er svart-hvit. Vi anser det imidlertid som svært lite sannsynlig at det vil bli tildelt en norsk krigsdekorasjon til en person som tjenestegjorde for fiendens væpnede styrker.» Translation....not likely

The story of Hardegen is interesting, and it is a good example of the war history is not always black and white. We consider, however, that very unlikely that it will be awarded a Norwegian war decoration to a person who served for the enemy's armed forces.

The Ol' Drumbeater will manage nicely with his Knight's Cross et al!

[Commander Wallace]

Great story. It must have been a strange time trying to make a choice between one's own humanity and their duties as a U Boat Captain. This looks like a good read.


Thanks for posting this story.

[Catfish]

The whole war was gruesome enough, but there are quite some events when U-boat commanders tried to help if the situation allowed. Returning survivors were ordered to shut up about it, for obvious reasons. Already in WW1 b.t.w., where U-boats helped much more crews than in WW2.
You have to demonize the enemy to make your soldiers kill without reluctance.

[Sailor Steve]

That is interesting.