Ship History
Built by Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp., Pascagoula, MS under Maritime Commission type (C3-S-A2) hull under Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 390). Laid down circa 1942, exact date unknown originally as SS Sea Panther. Instead, assigned to the US Navy as Naval Transport (AP-87). Launched on January 29, 1943.

On February 1, 1943 reclassified Attack Transport (APA-42). On March 30, 1943 completed and accepted by the War Shipping Administration for the US Navy. Fitted out at Maryland Dry Dock Co at Baltimore, Maryland. On August 25, 1943 commissioned as USS Elmore (APA-42) with CDR. Drayton Harrison in command.

Wartime History
This transport participated in the Marshall Islands campaign including the occupation of Kwajalein and Majuro during January 31 to February 8 , 1944.

On January 11-15, 1945 participated in landing at Lingayen Gulf on Luzon landing the U.S. Army troops and supplies.

In total, USS Elsmore received eight battle stars for World War II service.

Postwar
On April 13, 1971 sold for scrap to American Ship Dismantlers Inc. and scrapped sometime soon afterwards.

References
Navy Source USS Elmore APA-42
Pacific Island Odyssey page X

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Last Updated
March 30, 2022