These photos are all Korvettenkapitaen (same as a US Navy Commander) Reinhard Hardegen. He was commander of a coastal boat U-147 then commanded a long range Type IX-B and came to operate off the American east coast in January 1942 in Operation Paukenschlag. It means Drumbeat but not just any drum - it was the rolling of kettle drums as in a Wagnerian opera. He operated off New York and could see the swimmers on Coney Island with binoculars from his bridge - in daylight!

He sank the first ship in American waters; had two war patrols against the USA - the second off Florida's east coast. For his first patrol he was awarded the Knights Cross - only 145 U-Boaters were so decorated. For his second patrol, he was awarded the Oak Leaf to the Knights Cross - only 28 U-Boat Skippers were so decorated in the war. We have 7,700 Members; he is #102 and has been a Member since 1985. This March he will turn 100 years of age.