Leedstown arrived at Norfolk, Virginia 16 July 1943 for amphibious training in Chesapeake Bay with units of the U.S. Army.

Leedstown cared for 270 battle casualties, and departed 5 August for Guadalcanal, returning many of the wounded for hospitalization.

After the conclusion of hostilities, she participated in two Operation Magic Carpet missions bringing demobilizing troops home from the war.

The second mission began in Seattle, traveled to Yokohama, Japan, picked up a load of soldiers, then returned to Long Beach.

In February, 1964 the Exilona, captained by Edward L. Jungerheld, delivered the first 6,642-ton installment on the million-ton sale of US grain to the Soviet Union, the first since the conclusion of the Second World War.

New York Times, 30 Jan 1964 Photo gallery of USS Leedstown at NavSource Naval History