The USS Clearwater County (originally known as LST-602) was 'laid down' on Oct. 23, 1943, in Seneca, IL by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Co. It was launched March 9, 1944, sponsored by Mrs. Adele R. Ziehm. It was commissioned March31, 1944 with Ensign John H. Mehus, USNR, in command.

During World War II she was assigned to the European theater and participated in the invasion of southern France in August and September of 1944. She was a tank landing ship and was decommissioned in 1946, but recalled as a result of the hostilities in Korea. She went back to active service in 1950 and served in the Korean theater under the command of Lt. Cmdr. J.C. Whitfield.

She was redesignated Clearwater County July 1, 1955 after the counties in Idaho and Minnesota. She was operated by the Air Force from September 1957 to September 1969 when she was transferred to the temporary custody of the Maritime Administration.

On May 30, 1972, she was sold to Mexico after being struck from the Navy list May 1, 1972. There she served as Manzanillo. She served to help victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

During her service to the US, she earned one battle star for the World War II service and two battle stars for Korean service.

Information from the web site USS Clearwater County (LST 602) which is dedicated to BM2 Leo F. Gauthier by his children. He served on the Clearwater County in the Korean theater. The web site includes specifications, photos, awards, and etc.

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