The ‘GALLANT’ DEGEN is what GrossAdmiral Karl Dönitz called Kplt HORST DEGEN (116-1985), Skipper of U-701.

HORST DEGEN made an audiotape recording for SHARKHUNTERS, telling of his career with U-701, how he crossed the Atlantic with a load of mines for the US Naval base at Norfolk. In this tape, he gave clues to where the wreck of U-701 was located, and in 1989, UWE LOVAS (1022-1989) used these clues to become the first diver to locate the wreck of U-701. We put UWE in contact with HORST DEGEN and they became friends, exchanging letters across the Atlantic. UWE and his fellow divers place a wreath over U-701 each year on the anniversary of her sinking.

KPLT. HORST DEGEN is seen addressing his crew on the deck of U-701 at St. Nazaire just before departing on their second war patrol. It was in early January this year that the ‘GALLANT DEGEN’ began his ETERNAL PATROL. Sail on in peace.