Kerstin was launched 16 July 1944 by Pennsylvania Shipyards, Beaumont, Texas, under a United States Maritime Commission contract; sponsored by Mrs. W. B.

For more than 6 months she made supply runs, transporting frozen food to ships and bases at Iwo Jima, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Ulithi, Manus, Nouméa, and Auckland, New Zealand.

While steaming from Saipan to Iwo Jima 13 July, she directed the prompt rescue of nine men from a disabled B-29 bomber, which splashed about 2 miles off her port quarter while returning to Tinian after a raid over Tokyo.

Before departing Saipan 29 November for her return to the United States, Kerstin had travel led more than 26,000 miles and delivered over 5,500 tons of refrigerated cargo.

Kerstin's crew was eligible for the following medals: This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.