Hiwassee, a motor gasoline tanker, was launched 30 August 1944 under Maritime Commission contract by East Coast Shipyard, Inc., Bayonne, New Jersey; sponsored by Miss Harriet Savage; acquired 17 October 1944 and commissioned 24 October 1944.

Following shakedown training Hiwassee sailed through the Panama Canal to join the giant U.S. Pacific Fleet for the final phases of its island campaign, carrying her precious aviation gasoline and lubricating oil.

Arriving 1 May, the ship began shuttling gasoline ashore, protected from the numerous air attacks by smoke screen.

Hiwassee received one battle star for World War II service.

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.