Gunther Heder served aboard German submarine U-550 during World War II. On April 16, 1944 the U-550 torpedoed the SS Pan Pennsylvania which was enroute to England from New York. The U-550 came under attack from the Pan Pennslyvania's escorts, USS Gandy, USS Joyce and USS Peterson. The U-550 was badly damaged, forcing it to surface, and after a brief firefight, the Germans realized it was useless. The sub was taking on a lot of water and the crew set off scuttling charges. The sub sank in the waters 70 miles south of Nantucket, Massachusetts, taking most of its crew with it before they had a chance to abandon ship. The 13 Germans who did survive were picked up by the USS Joyce. Gunther was among these 13. He however was badly wounded, and died several weeks later of his wounds.
Gunther Heder served aboard German submarine U-550 during World War II. On April 16, 1944 the U-550 torpedoed the SS Pan Pennsylvania which was enroute to England from New York. The U-550 came under attack from the Pan Pennslyvania's escorts, USS Gandy, USS Joyce and USS Peterson. The U-550 was badly damaged, forcing it to surface, and after a brief firefight, the Germans realized it was useless. The sub was taking on a lot of water and the crew set off scuttling charges. The sub sank in the waters 70 miles south of Nantucket, Massachusetts, taking most of its crew with it before they had a chance to abandon ship. The 13 Germans who did survive were picked up by the USS Joyce. Gunther was among these 13. He however was badly wounded, and died several weeks later of his wounds.
Inscription
Maschinen Maat, U-550
