On June 4, 1944, America pulled off something they had never managed to do, capture an intact Type IXC submarine, the U-505. It was a great accomplishment for the U.S. Military, and the capture was led by Captain Daniel Gallery.
The Capture Operation
Task Group 22.3 of the U.S. Navy gathered around the USS Guadalcanal on June 4, 1944, where they engaged with the German U-boat U-505. The engagement started just off the coast of Africa, where sonar and depth charges were used to force the U-boat to come to the surface. As normal procedure, the German soldiers tried to scuttle their U-boat, preventing it from capture, but for some reason, they failed.
The Boarding Party
Once the ship was on the surface, A Lieutenant Junior Grade named Albert L. David was among the first to board the vessel. The submarine was damaged and posed many hazards for the boarding party, yet they wanted to see if they could find any sensitive information that could be of use. They managed to find relevant documents and two Enigma machines.
Importance of Intelligence
The U.S. Navy managed not only to save the documents inside but also to keep the whole submarine from sinking and capture it, a feat that hadn’t been done before. With the whole submarine captured, the military gained access to important communications equipment that helped decrypt German naval communications.
Aftermath of the Capture
The U.S. Navy towed the U-505 to Bermuda where it could be repaired. After the repairs were finished, the U-boat toured with the military to several cities on the East Coast to raise morale as part of a war bond drive. This helped raise money for the war that was still going on in the Pacific against Japan. The captured submarine was a symbol of the U.S. Navy’s power.
Preservation Efforts
Once World War II was over, the U-505 was planned to become a submarine, which was used solely as a target practice. Captain Gallery’s brother spoke out against this idea. The submarine was subsequently moved to Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, where it was restored and can still be found today.
Historical Significance
The U-505 is completely restored and in a museum; it is an exceptionally rare and unique artifact from World War II. Its history showcases the strength of the U.S. Navy when capturing enemy intelligence was a crucial turning point in the war.
Current Exhibit
The U-505 submarine is still displayed at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. There, people can not only view the vessel but even walk inside it. The submarine is now a Historic Landmark and is protected as such. It is a crucial piece of WWII history.
Legacy of U-505
The capture of the vessel not only shows us a bit more about how naval combat was conducted in World War II but also the ingenuity of the American Navy. Their determination to claim victory at all costs shows just how important intelligence can be.
An Iconic Piece Of History
U-505 remains an iconic piece of history that offers insight into WWII naval battles and intelligence operations. Its journey from capture to preservation illustrates not only military achievement but also cultural significance as an educational resource for future generations.
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See inside a WWII-era U-boat, the only submarine that the U.S. Navy captured intact and towed home
See inside a WWII-era U-boat, the only submarine that the U.S. Navy captured intact and towed home
