Construction
''Draco'' was laid down 15 December 1942, as SS ''John M. Palmer'', MCE hull 453, by Permanente Metals Corporation, Yard No. 2, Richmond, California, under a Maritime Commission (MARCOM) contract; launched 19 January 1943, and sponsored by Miss Gayle Marie Sanfacon. She was transferred to the Navy 31 January 1943; and commissioned 16 February 1943.Service history
''Draco'' towed from Seattle, Washington, by way of Pearl Harbor to Espiritu Santo, arriving 5 May 1943. She carried cargo from Auckland, New Zealand, to bases on Nouméa, Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal, and the Fiji, Fiji Islands, and acted in support of the consolidation of the Solomon Islands, Solomons, the invasions of Cape Torokina, Bougainville Island, Bougainville, and Landing on Emirau, Emirau. From 27 July to 10 August 1944 she unloaded cargo at Guam in the capture and occupation of that island, then returned to cargo runs between New Zealand and the Solomons until arriving at Ulithi 26 May 1945. ''Draco'' sailed from Ulithi 20 June 1945, for Okinawa, where she discharged Army supplies from 26 June to 12 July. Sailing by way of Guadalcanal to load salvaged equipment and vehicles, ''Draco'' arrived at Tacoma, Washington, 27 August 1945.Post-war decommissioning
''Draco'' was decommissioned 28 November 1945, and returned to MARCOM for disposal the same day. She entered the National Defense Reserve Fleet, James River Group, Lee Hall, Virginia, 28 November 1945.Merchant service
On 9 August 1947, she was sold to the Union of South Africa, South African company, Southern Steamship Proprietary, Ltd., and renamed ''President Kruger''. She was again sold in 1951, and renamed ''Riviera''. In 1953, she was sold and renamed ''Effie''. She was renamed ''President Pretorius'' in 1958, and finally sold in April 1968, to be scrapped at Kaohsiung, Taiwan.Awards
''Draco'' received two Battle star#Navy warships, battle stars for World War II service.References
Bibliography
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* {{DEFAULTSORT:Draco (AK-79) Crater-class cargo ships World War II auxiliary ships of the United States Ships built in Richmond, California 1943 ships James River Reserve Fleet