The SS William Wirt was a Liberty ship constructed in the United States during World War II, representing the mass-produced cargo vessels that played a vital role in wartime logistics. Built under a Maritime Commission (MARCOM) contract, she was designated MCE hull 50 and constructed by the Bethlehem-Fairfield Shipyard in Baltimore, Maryland. The keel was laid on 13 May 1942, and the ship was launched on 4 July 1942, a rapid construction reflecting the urgency of wartime shipbuilding efforts. The ship was sponsored by Mrs. Wharton H. Hoy, the niece of J.A. Bouslog, a MARCOM manager, symbolizing the ship’s official launch. The SS William Wirt was allocated to the Alcoa Steamship Co., Inc., shortly after her launch, on 24 July 1942, indicating her active service during the war. As a Liberty ship, she would have been used primarily for transporting cargo, troops, and supplies critical to the Allied war effort across Atlantic and other theaters, although specific operational details are not provided in the source. Following the war, the vessel’s service extended into the post-war period. On 16 December 1947, she was laid up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet in Wilmington, North Carolina, a common fate for surplus wartime ships awaiting future use or disposal. Ultimately, the SS William Wirt was sold for scrapping on 2 November 1965 to Union Minerals & Alloys Corp., for $46,287. She was withdrawn from the Reserve Fleet on 24 November 1965, marking the end of her maritime career. In summary, the SS William Wirt exemplifies the wartime Liberty ships’ rapid construction, contribution to the Allied victory, and subsequent legacy as part of the U.S. maritime reserve fleet. Her history underscores the importance of these vessels in both wartime logistics and post-war maritime history.

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