The convoy remained underway throughout the evening, maneuvering on various courses and speeds in Leyte Gulf until the first rays of sunlight streaked the eastern skies. After going to general quarters at 04:58, the destroyer escort remained at battle stations throughout the day. Less than an hour after her crew first closed up at action stations, two "Jills" attacked the convoy from the westward. "Willmarth" immediately opened fire with her and batteries. As one "Jill" roared across the stern of the convoy, it was caught by gunfire from "Willmarth" and other ships of the convoy and crashed in flames far astern.