German submarine U-157 (1941)

U-157 was a German Type IXC U-boat of Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. She was commissioned on 6 September 1941, under the command of Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Rode.

Service History:

U-157 conducted four war patrols. Her primary area of operations was the Western Atlantic, targeting Allied shipping lanes. During these patrols, she sank a total of 7 ships, totaling 33,078 gross register tons (GRT), and damaged one other vessel.

Fate:

U-157 was sunk on 13 June 1942 in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Key West, Florida, at position 23°44′N 81°16′W, by depth charges from the United States Coast Guard cutter USCGC Thetis. There were no survivors; all 52 crew members perished.

Commanding Officers:

• 6 September 1941 – 13 June 1942: Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Rode

Summary of Successes:

• 7 ships sunk for a total of 33,078 GRT
• 1 ship damaged

Type IXC U-boat Characteristics:

Type IXC U-boats were ocean-going submarines designed for extended patrols and long-range operations. They were armed with six torpedo tubes (four in the bow and two in the stern) and carried a deck gun for surface engagements. They were powered by diesel-electric propulsion systems, offering a good balance of speed and endurance. The Type IXC was an improvement over the earlier Type IXB, featuring increased range and improved living conditions for the crew.