Allegiance Nazi Germany Commands held U-140
U-96
U-543 Service/branch Kriegsmarine | Years of service 1936–44 Rank Kapitänleutnant | |
Born 16 June 1917
Berlin-Wilmersdorf ( 1917-06-16 ) Battles/wars World War II
Battle of the Atlantic Died 2 July 1944, Atlantic Ocean Awards U-boat War Badge, Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross Battles and wars World War II, Battle of the Atlantic | ||
Hans-Jürgen Hellriegel (16 June 1917 – 2 July 1944) was a Kapitänleutnant with the Kriegsmarine during World War II. He sailed with U-140, U-96 and U-543, sinking three ships on seven patrols, for a total of 10.969 tons of Allied shipping. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross (German: Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes). The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership.
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Hellriegel and the entire crew of U-543 were killed by depth charges and a homing torpedo from Grumman TBF Avenger aircraft (VC-58) of the US escort carrier USS Wake Island on 2 July 1944.
Ships attacked
As commander of U-140, U-96 and U-543 Hans-Jürgen Hellriegel is credited with the sinking of three merchant ships for a total of 10,969 gross register tons (GRT), a warship of 206 long tons (209 t) and damaging two ships of 17,179 GRT.