Last meeting for WWII veterans who captured U-boat
World War II veterans gathered in Chicago to mark the 70th anniversary of their capture of a German submarine.
The U-505 submarine has been on display at the Museum of Science and Industry. The veterans who captured the 252-foot vessel have been meeting for years at the museum, but museum officials say the veterans decided Wednesday will be their last meeting because their numbers are dwindling.
The U-505 is the only German submarine captured by the U.S. Navy during the war, and one of five left in the world. Navy Captain Daniel Gallery of Chicago led the group that captured the submarine off the coast of West Africa on June 4, 1944.
Almost two dozen veterans, many wearing red roses pinned to their shirts, toured the submarine.
Jesus Ayala, 12, of Chicago reaches out to touch the captured U-505 German submarine on display Wednesday at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.
Associated Press
World War II veteran Doug Thrutchley, center, stands for the national anthem during a ceremony Wednesday to mark the 70th anniversary of the capture of the U-505 German submarine on display at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.
Associated Press
World War II veteran Doug Thrutchley stands by the captured U-505 German submarine on display at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
Associated Press
World War II veteran Al Neeley of Puyallup, Wash., watches as his daughter-in-law, Jan Neeley, types on an Enigma code machine Wednesday at the interactive exhibits by the captured U-505 German submarine on display at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry.
Associated Press
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