Oak Hill, originally designated as a Mechanized Artillery Transport, APM-7, was laid down by the Moore Dry Dock Co., Oakland, California, 9 March 1943; launched on 25 June 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Robert E. Garrels; and commissioned on 5 January 1944.

In early May she engaged in rehearsals for Operation Forager, the thrust into the Marianas, and, at the end of the month, sailed west in Task Group 52.16 (TG 52.16).

On 20 October Oak Hill stood off Leyte and launched LCMs and LVTs carrying 1st Cavalry Division units toward White beach.

On 1 April, she arrived in transport area Baker, lowered her LCMs for the assault on Blue Beach and then began repairing landing craft.

In January 1955 Oak Hill returned to San Diego and Pacific Fleet duty, departing for her first regular WestPac deployment 31 March.

Operating primarily in the Da Nang – Cam Ranh Bay areas, she performed assignments as far south as the Mekong Delta and visited ports in Thailand, Taiwan, and Japan as well as in the Philippines.