USS Chelan County (LST-542)
USS "LST–542" was the lead ship of her class of tank landing ships built for the United States Navy during World War II. She was later named USS "Chelan County" (LST-542) for the county in Washington, the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name. The "LST-542"-class was built with a water-distilling plant and heavier armament than the earlier , which slightly decreased their payload. "LST-542" was laid down on 29 November 1943 at Evansville, Indiana by the Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron Company; launched on 28 January 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Robert C. Dean; and commissioned  on 29 February 1944. Service history. During World War II, "LST-542" was assigned to the European Theater and participated in the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. Following the war, "LST-542" saw service as a part of the Amphibious Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. She was named "Chelan County" (LST-542) on 1 July 1955. The ship was decommissioned in 1956 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 November 1959. "LST-542" earned one battle star for World War II service.