 As part of Vice Admiral D. E. Barbey's San Fabian Attack Force, "James O'Hara" departed Sansapor, New Guinea, 30 December with troops of the 6th Infantry Division embarked.Steaming via Leyte Gulf and Surigao and Mindoro Strait, she entered Lingayen Gulf 9 January 1945 and boated assault troops and cargo during amphibious landings which spearheaded the liberation of Luzon.Departing the same day, she steamed via Leyte and Ulithi to Guam where she arrived 6 February to stage for the amphibious invasion of Iwo Jima.