USS Clarke County (LST-601)

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The USS Clarke County (LST-601), originally USS LST-601, was a United States Navy LST-542-class tank landing ship built during World War II and in commission from 1944 to 1955 and again in the late 1960s. Named after Clarke County, Alabama; Clarke County, Georgia; Clarke County, Iowa; Clarke County, Mississippi; and Clarke County, Virginia, she was the only U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name. USS LST-601 was laid down on 21 October 1943 at Seneca, Illinois, by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company. She was launched on 4 March 1944, sponsored by Mrs. Celia Counter Finch, and commissioned on 25 March 1944 with a Lieutenant Ledbetter in command.