USS LST-601 was laid down on 21 October 1943 at Seneca, Illinois, by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company.

At the close of World War II, LST-601 remained in active service in Amphibious Force, United States Atlantic Fleet.

21 November 1967 she struck a sunken landing craft while attempting to beach at Doc Pho, South Vietnam.

Clarke County received six campaign stars plus two awards of the Meritorious Unit Commendation for Vietnam War service.

Clarke County was decommissioned and stricken from the Navy Directory after her Vietnam War service had ended.