17 April 1943 –Coast Guard Cutter Spencer engaged German Submarine U – 175 on this date. Spencer dropped depth charges forcing the U Boat to surface. suffering extensive damage. The crew was attempting to scuttle when Lt. Ross P. Bullard and Boatswain’s Mate First C.S. “Mike” Hall boarded and climbed the conning tower in an attempt to seize it. Concurrent with their arrival in the conning tower the boat sank with both of the boarders forced into the water. For their actions they were credited as the first American servicemen to board an enemy warship at sea since the War of 1812. Spencer was credited with the sinking and she rescued 19 of the U boat crew from the water along with Bullard and Hall. The Spencer’s sister Cutter the Duane picked up another 22 of the U boat crew. The victory was tempered by the loss of One Spencer crewman was killed during the action by friendly fire.