Here's something interesting I found about him. Part of the story appears to be true. There's no mention of Dönitz rescuing him. The following is from "Neither Sharks Nor Wolves" citing "Voice of the Third Reich" by Johannes Steinoff, Peter Pechel. Dennis Showalter. "Another living example of the contradiction between doctrine and practice was Helmut Schmoeck
Forum: General Discussions

I am writing a novel and need to use the correct language for how the captain of a U-boat would address the First Watch Officer. I thought it was "Number One". But several posters say that is for the Bosun. In the English version of the script for DAS BOOT he is called "First Watch." (Note: This was also posted by mistake in the Movie and Film forum.)
Forum: General Discussions

I am writing a novel and need to use the correct language for how the captain of a U-boat would address the First Watch Officer. I thought it was "Number One". But several posters say that is for the Bosun. In the English version of the script for DAS BOOT he is called "First Watch."
Forum: Movies and Films

Thanks for your response. It seems unbelievable to me, too.
Forum: General Discussions

I have read that Helmut Schmoeckel was half Jewish and was imprisoned in Dachau. When Vice Admiral Dönitz found out, he took an armed patrol to the camp, freed Schmoeckel and warned the camp commander to never touch one of his men. I am writing a novel involving a U-boat and wonder if anyone knows if this is true and where I can find any other documentation. His Jewishness was mentioned in
Forum: General Discussions