John F. Laboon

Who was John F. Laboon?

John Francis Laboon, Jr. was an officer of the United States Navy, who served as a submariner in World War II and as a chaplain in the Vietnam War.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on 11 April 1921, John Laboon attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology for one year after high school. In 1939, he entered the United States Naval Academy, where he excelled in both athletics and academics. In 1942, he was a member of the All-East Football Team, and in 1943, "jumped ship" to lacrosse, where he was selected for the Intercollegiate National Championship Navy Lacrosse Team, defenseman on the All-American Lacrosse Squad, and participated in the North-South All-Star game. He also served as President of the Newman Club, a Catholic support group.

After accelerated graduation in 1943, he trained as a submarine officer at New London, Connecticut, and upon completion, was assigned to USS Peto. During his tour, Laboon served as Communications Officer, Gunnery and Torpedo Officer, and Executive Officer.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Laboon was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions on Peto's tenth war patrol. Following pick-up of a downed American pilot near Honshū, the crew searched for his wingman. The second aviator was soon spotted, but the water was shallow and mined, preventing Peto from maneuvering closer. To make matters worse, they were under intense enemy fire from a Japanese shore battery. The submarine's commanding officer called for a volunteer, and without hesitation, LTJG Laboon dove off the submarine. Swimming throughout the mined waters, he rescued the pilot.