 She was named in honor of William Garfield Thomas, Jr., who was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his actions during the Battle of Cape Esperance, 11–12 October 1942.The ship was laid down on 23 September 1943 by the Federal Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newark, New Jersey; launched on 12 December 1943; sponsored by Lt. Betty K. Thomas, Army Nurse Corps, sister of Lt.(j.g.)