 Despite heavy seas and an enemy air attack, she debarked her troops as Allied forces sought to wrestle the strategic island from Axis control.During almost the next 2 months "James O'Hara" shuttled troops from North Africa to Sicily; then she prepared to take part in the Allied invasion of Italy.Assigned to Rear Admiral J. L. Hall's Southern Attack Force, she departed Oran 5 September and approached the Gulf of Salerno late 8 September as the Allies announced the armistice with Italy.