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Otto ItesGerman submarine officer, captain-lieutenant
Date of Birth: 05.02.1918
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Early Life and Naval Career
Wolfgang Ites was born on April 1, 1943, and joined the German Navy as a cadet on September 10, 1936. He was promoted to lieutenant on October 1, 1938, and served on the destroyers "Condor" and "Albatross."
Submarine Service
In October 1938, Ites transferred to the submarine fleet, serving on the U-51 submarine.
World War II
During World War II, Ites served as a 2nd watch officer on the U-146 submarine in the North and Baltic Seas. He was appointed commander of the U-146 on April 7, 1941, and led it on a single patrol, spending a total of 45 days at sea.
From August 29, 1941, Ites commanded the U-94 submarine, previously led by Herbert Kuppisch. He oversaw the boat during five combat patrols, primarily in the North Atlantic, totaling 190 days at sea.
Recognition and Capture
On March 28, 1942, Ites was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. On August 28, 1942, his submarine was sunk in the Caribbean Sea by the Canadian corvette "Oakville" and an American flying boat. Nineteen crew members were killed, and 26, including Ites, were taken prisoner.
Post-War Life
After the war, Ites was released in May 1946. He pursued a medical education, earning a degree in dentistry. In 1956, he rejoined the West German Navy, serving as commander of the destroyer Z-2 for two years and later holding various leadership positions in staff positions. On April 1, 1975, he attained the rank of rear admiral and retired in September 1977.
