Günther Prien was a German submarine commander during World War II, known for his successful naval operations. He was born on January 16, 1908, in Hamburg, Germany, and joined the Kriegsmarine, the German Navy, in 1926. Prien gained fame for his leadership of the U-boat U-47, which sank numerous Allied ships, including the British battleship HMS Royal Oak in 1939. Prien's exploits made him a celebrated figure in Germany, earning him the nickname "The Bull of Scapa Flow." He was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for his achievements. Tragically, Prien died in action on March 7, 1941, when his submarine was sunk in the North Atlantic.