Otto Kretschmer Death
Otto Kretschmer passed away on August 5, 1998 at the age of 86.
When did Otto Kretschmer die?
August 5, 1998How old was Otto Kretschmer when died?
86
Otto Kretschmer Birthday and Date of Death
Otto Kretschmer was born on May 1, 1912 and died on August 5, 1998. Otto Kretschmer was 86 years old at the time of death.
Birthday: May 1, 1912
Date of Death: August 5, 1998
Age at Death: 86
Otto Kretschmer - Biography
Otto Kretschmer (1 May 1912 – 5 August 1998) was the most successful German U-boat commander in the Second World War and later an admiral in the Bundesmarine. From September 1939 until being captured in March 1941, he sank 47 ships, a total of 274,333 tons. For this he received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes mit Eichenlaub und Schwertern), among other awards. He earned the nickname "Silent Otto" both for his successful use of the "silent running" capability of U-boats as well and for his reluctance to transmit radio messages during patrols. After the war, he served in the German Federal Navy and retired in 1970 with the rank of Flottillenadmiral (flotilla admiral, equivalent to commodore).
