Baron was launched on 9 May 1943 by Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, Newark, New Jersey; sponsored by Mrs. Anne Pl.

Baron had been awarded the Navy Cross for risking his life to recover classified documents during the bombardment of Cavite, Philippines.

Between October 1943 and August 1944 she escorted convoys among the island groups of the South Central Pacific Ocean.

For the remainder of the war she operated in the vicinity of the Marshall Islands engaged in hunter-killer, air-sea rescue, patrol, and escort duties.

On 27 August 1945 Baron was ordered to Maloelap, Wotje, and Jaluit Atolls for the surrender of their Japanese garrisons.