Joachim Berger

Joachim Berger (23 June 1913 – 4 March 1943) was a German U-boat commander in World War II.

Naval career
Joachim Berger joined the Reichsmarine in 1934. He served as a training officer on the 2nd torpedo boat flotilla from October to November 1939. From November 1939 to April 1940 he held a staff position. From April 1940 to March 1941, Berger served on the staff of Naval Commander Molde. From March to April 1941 he was a relief instructor with the Naval Gunnery School. From April to May 1941, Berger served with the 24th U-boat Flotilla and went through his U-boat Commander training and U-boat familiarization (Baubelehrung) from May to August 1941. On 19 August 1941 Berger commissioned the new Type VIIB boat U-87. He commanded this boat for more than 18 months, during which he went out on five patrols, 260 days at sea, all over the North Atlantic - including a patrol to US waters from May to July 1942. He sank five ships with a total of over 38,000 GRT.

Death
Berger was killed along with his entire crew of 49 men when the boat was sunk on 4 March 1943 west of Leixões, Portugal, in position 41.6°N, -13.51667°W, by depth charges from the Canadian corvette HMCS Shediac and the Canadian destroyer HMCS St. Croix.

Awards

 * Iron Cross 2nd Class - 30 January 1942
 * U-boat War Badge 1939 - 28 March 1942
 * Iron Cross 1st Class - 9 July 1942