This passage discusses the significant impact of U-boat commanders' discretion during World War I, particularly in the sinking of ships. These young submarine captains, often in their twenties or thirties, had the autonomy to decide which vessels would be spared and which would face destruction. Without direct communication with their superiors and restricted to their periscope's limited view, their choices carried enormous weight, influencing the war's trajectory.

By highlighting the individual decision-making power of these U-boat captains, the text underscores the precarious nature of warfare at sea, where one person's judgment could potentially alter the course of historical events. Their pursuit of accolades, marked by destroyed tonnage, could lead to critical mistakes that had far-reaching consequences for all involved.