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Detlef KrankenhagenCommander of the German submarine U-549 type IX/C40, Captain-Lieutenant
Date of Birth: 03.07.1917
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Naval Career
- Commanding U-549
- First Combat Patrol
- Second Combat Patrol and Sinking of the USS Block Island
- Counterattack and Sinking of U-549
Early Life and Naval Career
Born on July 3, 1917, in Danzig, Germany, Günther Krantzke embarked on a naval career on April 3, 1936. He rose through the ranks and attained the rank of Kapitänleutnant on June 1, 1943.
Commanding U-549
On July 14, 1943, Krantzke assumed command of the Type IX/C40 submarine U-549. He led two combat patrols throughout his tenure.
First Combat Patrol
The U-549's first patrol commenced on January 11, 1944, and concluded on March 26, 1944 (76 days). It involved a journey from Kiel to Lorient.
Second Combat Patrol and Sinking of the USS Block Island
On May 14, 1944, the U-549 embarked on its second patrol. Sixteen days later, it encountered a group of enemy ships. On May 29, Krantzke skillfully maneuvered the submarine through the defenses of Task Group 21.11.
At an opportune moment, Krantzke fired a salvo of three T-3 torpedoes at the escort carrier USS Block Island. One or two of the torpedoes struck their target, and the carrier sank. Tragically, only six crew members perished, while 951 were rescued by accompanying destroyers.
Counterattack and Sinking of U-549
American destroyers swiftly detected the U-549's presence. At 20:40, the destroyer USS Barr fell victim to an acoustic T-5 torpedo, resulting in 16 casualties and 14 injuries. Another torpedo narrowly missed the USS Eugene E. Elmore.
Utilizing intelligence gathered from the destroyer USS Arnes, which was rescuing survivors from the Block Island, the USS Elmore unleashed two depth charge attacks, sinking the U-549.
