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.
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.