During the action against U-175, Spencer suffered 25 casualties, including one KIA and nine that suffered ruptured eardrums.   Most of the casualties were caused by a shell fired from the Naval Armed Guard of one of the nearby merchant vessels which struck a boat davit aboard Spencer sending shrapnel about the deck.  Shrapnel from that hit also holed Spencer's powered monomoy lifeboat.  As a result, the boarding team had to launch the pulling lifeboat and that slowed their attempt to board the U-boat, which probably saved the lives of at least two of the boarding team members.

Shipmates provide first aid to 21 year old Radioman 3/c Julius T. Petrella of Brooklyn, NY, who died of his wounds.

        The photograph was released under the official caption:  "HE COULD AFFORD TO SACRIFICE HIS LIFE -- CAN YOU AFFORD TO BUY ANOTHER WAR BOND?: His hands clenched in death's agony, this young Coast Guardsman falls mortally wounded at his battle station. Tender, swift hands of his shipmates are helpless.  This boy died that his Coast Guard combat cutter might win a battle on the long road to final victory.  His sacrifice will not have been in vain, if our freedom is preserved. Support the Sixth War Bond Drive by investing today in that final victory."

Seaman Louis Russel's wounds are inspected.

Wounded Seaman Louis Russel

Wounded Chief Yeoman Joseph Karnes

Motor Machinist's Mate 1/c  Robert J. Croak of Arlington, Mass., in sickbay aboard Spencer.  Ship's Surgeon, John Davies rigged an intricate "banjo splint" (a wire frame connected to pins inserted through the fingers).

Wounded Seaman Ernest E. Godfrey

Crewman aboard Spencer donate blood - Dr. John Davies is to the right.

Funeral service for Radioman 3/c Julius T. Petrella held at sunset 17 April - To the left, Commander Harold S. Berdine, commanding officer of Spencer, reads the ceremony, as Captain Paul R. Heineman, right center foreground, commander of Escort Group A3 (embarked in Spencer), and Spencer's crew stand at attention.

Motor Machinist's Mate 1/c  Robert J. Croak is passed to Duane for further transport to a hospital ashore on 20 April at the Royal Naval Base at Greenock-Gourock, Scotland - Dr. John Davies supports the Banjo splint.