Walther Forstmann
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Walther Forstmann (9 March 1883 – 2 November 1973) was one of the most highly decorated U-boat commanders in the Kaiserliche Marine during World War I. He also served in the Kriegsmarine during World War II in different staff positions.
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
Walther Forstmann | |
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Born | 9 March 1883 (1883-03-09) Essen-Werden |
Died | 2 November 1973 (1973-11-03) (aged 90) |
Allegiance | German Empire Nazi Germany |
Service/ | Imperial German Navy Kriegsmarine |
Years of service | 1900–19, 1939-45 |
Rank | Kapitän zur See |
Commands held | U-12 U-39 |
Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
Awards | House Order of Hohenzollern Order of the Red Eagle Pour le Mérite |
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In his time as commander of U-12 and U-39 in World War I, he conducted 47 patrols and succeeded in sinking 148 ships for a total tonnage of 390,797 gross register tons (GRT).[1] As such, he is the second most successful submarine commander ever (by tonnage sunk), after de la Perière.