reaching ulithi 24 january 1945, "hercules" embarked troops with cargo and 17 february sailed for iwo jima. the invasion of that rugged island began 2 days later, and "hercules" steamed in the retirement area until 27 february when she disembarked reserve troops on the beach and received wounded. after discharging her cargo, she remained in the iwo jima area until 20 march when, loaded with u.s. marines and their equipment, she sailed for pearl harbor. reaching pearl 4 april, "hercules" carried cargo to guam and eniwetok before reaching san francisco 22 june for a much-needed overhaul.