The ship was laid down by the Federal Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Newark, New Jersey, on 29 July 1943; launched on 17 October 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Anna B. Riddle; and commissioned on 17 November 1943.

Upon arrival she conducted anti-submarine patrols in the Roi Namur-Kwajalein-Majuro Atoll area until steaming for Pearl Harbor on 15 March.

On 4 July, while screening fueling operations with task group TG 50.17, with David W. Taylor (DD-551), she successfully attacked the submerged I-10.

On 14 January 1945 she arrived at Leyte Gulf, Philippine Islands, after which she returned to the Marianas and western Carolines on routine screening and patrol duties.

After remaining in San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf, until 18 March, Riddle got underway as part of the escort group for task unit TU 51.7.1, en route to Kerama Retto, Okinawa.

Upon arrival at Kerama Retto on 26 March 1945, Riddle operated with various screening units, patrol sections, and retirement groups in those waters.

After transfer of wounded and repair to her battle damage at Kerama Retto, Riddle got underway on 16 April as an escort to Saipan.