She was named in honor of Kenneth Tafe Lamons, whose brave actions led to his death from wounds received in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. The ship was laid down on 10 April 1943 by the Western Pipe and Steel Company, San Pedro, California; launched on 1 August 1943; sponsored by Mrs. Leora M. Lamons, widow of Boatswain Mate Second Class Lamons; and commissioned on 29 February 1944, Lt. Comdr. C. K. Hutchison in command.