The SS Kachidoki Maru was a Japanese cargo and troopship with a notable military and maritime history. Originally built in 1919–1920 by the New York Shipbuilding Company in Camden, New Jersey, the vessel was initially named Wolverine State and constructed as a steam passenger-cargo ship for the United States Shipping Board (USSB). The ship measured approximately 502 feet in length (between perpendiculars), with a beam of 62 feet and a depth of 28 feet, and was assessed at around 10,533 gross register tons (GRT). Her steel hull featured double bottoms throughout and was subdivided into fourteen watertight compartments, enhancing her seaworthiness. Powered by two sets of four-cylinder vertical inverted triple-expansion steam engines, she drove twin screw propellers, capable of reaching speeds up to 15 knots. Designed to serve both cargo and passenger needs, Wolverine State had accommodations for 78 first-class passengers, including dining, smoking, and social halls. Her machinery included nine main hatches with modern cargo handling equipment, and refrigeration units for perishable goods. She was launched on 16 September 1920 and completed her sea trials in January 1921, where she exceeded contract speeds, achieving up to 16.5 knots. Initially employed on routes between the U.S. and India, she later operated in the Pacific and South American markets, undergoing several modifications and rebrandings. In 1922, she was renamed President Harrison after a reconditioning process. She was notable for her participation in the round-the-world service operated by the Dollar Steamship Company, making extensive voyages between the U.S., Asia, and Europe. Her service included carrying passengers, cargo, and even dignitaries, such as the U.S. President. During World War II, she was requisitioned by the Imperial Japanese Army, renamed Kachidoki Maru, and used to transport troops and military supplies across the Pacific. On 8 December 1941, she was deliberately run aground on Shaweishan Island to prevent her capture by Japanese forces during the early days of the Pacific War. Salvaged and repaired by Japan, she was renamed Kachidoki Maru and participated in convoy operations. Notably, on 12 September 1944, she was torpedoed and sunk in the Luzon Strait by the USS Pampanito while transporting Allied prisoners of war, with the loss of 431 POWs and crew members. Her sinking marked a significant and tragic event in maritime wartime history, exemplifying the perilous nature of wartime convoy operations and the brutal realities faced by POWs transported across the Pacific.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.