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{{Short description|US Navy officer and chaplain (1921–1988)}}
{{more footnotes|date=April 2014}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
| name = John Francis Laboon, Jr.
| name = John Francis Laboon Jr.
| born = {{Birth date |1921|4|11 }}
| birth_date = {{Birth date |1921|4|11 }}
| died = {{Death date and age |1988|8|1 |1921|4|11 }}
| death_date = {{Death date and age |1988|8|1 |1921|4|11 }}
| placeofbirth = [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]]
| birth_place = [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]]
| death_place = [[Granite, Maryland]]
| placeofdeath =
| placeofburial= Woodstock College Jesuit Theologate Cemetery, [[Granite, Maryland]]
| placeofburial_label= Place of burial
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
Line 10: Line 14:
| allegiance = [[United States of America]]
| allegiance = [[United States of America]]
| serviceyears = 1943–1980
| serviceyears = 1943–1980
| rank = [[Captain]]
| rank = [[Captain (naval)|Captain]]
| branch = [[United States Navy]]
| branch = {{flag|United States Navy}}
| commands =
| commands =
| unit = [[USS Peto (SS-265)|USS ''Peto'']] (SS-265)
| unit = [[USS Peto (SS-265)|USS ''Peto'']] (SS-265)
| battles = [[Pacific War]] <br/> [[Vietnam War]]
| battles = [[World War II]]
*[[Pacific War]]
[[Vietnam War]]
| awards = [[Silver Star]] <br/> [[Legion of Merit]]
| awards = [[Silver Star]] <br/> [[Legion of Merit]]
| laterwork =
| laterwork =
}}
}}


'''John Francis Laboon, Jr.''' (11 April 1921 – 1 August 1988) was a officer of the [[United States Navy]], who served as a submariner in [[World War II]] and as a [[chaplain]] in the [[Vietnam War]].
'''John Francis "Jake" Laboon Jr.''' (11 April 1921 – 1 August 1988) was an officer of the [[United States Navy]], who served as a submariner in [[World War II]] and as a [[Roman Catholic]] [[military chaplain|chaplain]] in the [[Vietnam War]].<ref>Richard Gribble CSC ''Navy Priest: The Life of Captain Jake Laboon SJ'' Washington D.C.: [[The Catholic University of America Press]], 2015.</ref>


==Early life==
Born in [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]], [[Pennsylvania]] on 11&nbsp;April 1921, John Laboon attended the [[Carnegie Institute of Technology]] for one year after high school. In 1949, 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 [[American football|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 [[John Henry Newman|Newman]] Club, a [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] support group.
Born in [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]], Pennsylvania, on 11&nbsp;April 1921, John Laboon attended the [[Carnegie Institute of Technology]] for one year after high school at Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School. In 1939, he entered the [[United States Naval Academy]], where he excelled in both [[college athletics|athletics]] and academics. In 1942, he was a member of the All-East [[Navy Midshipmen football|Football]] Team, and in 1943, "jumped ship" to [[college lacrosse]], where he was selected for the Intercollegiate National Championship [[Navy Midshipmen men's lacrosse|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 Church|Catholic]] [[Campus Ministry|campus ministry]] group.


==World War II==
After accelerated graduation in 1943, he trained as a [[submarine]] officer at [[Naval Submarine Base New London|New London]], [[Connecticut]], and upon completion, was assigned to [[USS Peto (SS-265)|USS ''Peto'']] (SS-265). During his tour, Laboon served as Communications Officer, Gunnery and [[Torpedo]] Officer, and [[Executive Officer]].
After accelerated graduation in 1943, he trained as a [[submarine]] officer at [[Naval Submarine Base New London|New London]], [[Connecticut]], and upon completion, was assigned to [[USS Peto (SS-265)|USS ''Peto'']] (SS-265). During his tour, Laboon served as Communications Officer, [[naval artillery|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.
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 [[naval mine|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.
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 [[naval mine|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 through the mined waters, he rescued the pilot.


==Priesthood==
⚫
Lieutenant Laboon resigned from Naval service shortly after the end of World War II, and entered the [[Society of Jesus]] (Jesuits) on 31&nbsp;October 1946. On 17&nbsp;July 1956, Father Jake was ordained a Jesuit priest at [[Woodstock, Maryland]].
{{see also|Roman Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services#Vietnam War}}
⚫
Lieutenant Laboon resigned from naval service shortly after the end of World War II, and entered the [[Society of Jesus]] (Jesuits) on 31&nbsp;October 1946. On 17&nbsp;July 1956, Father Jake was ordained a Jesuit priest at [[Woodstock, Maryland]].


Father Laboon then applied for a commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve Chaplain Corps in February 1957, and in December 1958 was recalled to active duty. Over the course of the next 22&nbsp;years, "Father Jake" served in various duty stations around the world, including [[Alaska]], [[Hawaii]], [[Japan]], and [[Vietnam]]. While in Vietnam, he was awarded the [[Legion of Merit]] with Combat&nbsp;"V" for his fearless actions as battlefield Chaplain with the [[3rd Marine Division (United States)|3rd Marine Division]] in April 1969.
Father Laboon then applied for a commission in the [[United States Navy Chaplain Corps#Notable chaplains|U.S. Naval Reserve Chaplain Corps]] in February 1957, and in December 1958 was recalled to active duty. Over the course of the next 22&nbsp;years, "Father Jake" served in various duty stations around the world, including [[Alaska]], [[Hawaii]], [[Japan]] and [[South Vietnam]]. While in Vietnam, he was awarded the [[Legion of Merit]] with Combat&nbsp;"V" for his fearless actions as battlefield Chaplain with the [[3rd Marine Division (United States)|3rd Marine Division]] in April 1969.


Other notable milestones in a distinguished career, include the honor of nomination for promotion to the rank of Admiral and services as Chief of Chaplains. The [[Polaris missile|Polaris]] submarine program was also blessed with having Father Jake as its first chaplain. The U.S. Naval Academy was likewise honored with his services a Senior Catholic Chaplain. On 31&nbsp;October 1980, Captain Laboon retired as Fleet Chaplain, [[U.S. Atlantic Fleet]].
Other notable milestones in his distinguished career included the honor of nomination for promotion to the rank of admiral and service as chief of chaplains. The [[Polaris missile|Polaris]] submarine program was also blessed with having Father Jake as its first chaplain. The U.S. Naval Academy was likewise honored with his services as the Senior Catholic Chaplain. On 31&nbsp;October 1980, Captain Laboon retired as Fleet Chaplain, [[U.S. Atlantic Fleet]].


After retirement from the Navy, Father Laboon returned to [[Annapolis, Maryland]] to oversee the construction of the Jesuit-retreat facility, Manresa-on-Severn, within view of the U.S. Naval Academy. His final assignment was pastor of [[St. Alphonsus Rodriguez]] Church in Woodstock, Maryland. He served there until his death on 1&nbsp;August 1988.
After retirement from the navy, Father Laboon returned to [[Annapolis, Maryland]], to oversee the construction of the Jesuit-retreat facility, Manresa-on-Severn, within view of the U.S. Naval Academy. His final assignment was pastor of [[St. Alphonsus Rodriguez]] Church in Woodstock, Maryland. He served there until his death on 1&nbsp;August 1988.


In 1993, the [[destroyer]] [[USS Laboon (DDG-58)|USS ''Laboon'']] (DDG-58) was named in honor of Father Laboon.
In 1993, the [[destroyer]] [[USS Laboon (DDG-58)|USS ''Laboon'']] (DDG-58) was named in honor of Father Laboon.
The Chaplain's Center at the Naval Academy is also named in his honor.
The Chaplain's Center at the Naval Academy is also named in his honor.


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
⚫
*{{cite web | url= http://www.laboon.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx
*{{cite web
| title= USS ''Laboon'' Namesake | publisher= [[United States Navy]]
⚫
|url = http://www.laboon.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx
| accessdate= 2010-07-27 }}
|title = USS ''Laboon'' Namesake
|publisher = [[United States Navy]]
|accessdate = 2010-07-27
|url-status = dead
|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20090427081633/http://www.laboon.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx
|archivedate = 2009-04-27
}}
*{{cite web | url= http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/01058.htm
*{{cite web | url= http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/01058.htm
| title= USS ''Laboon'' (DDG-58) | first= Fred | last= Willshaw
| title= USS ''Laboon'' (DDG-58) | first= Fred | last= Willshaw
|date= |year= |month= | work= Destroyer Archive | publisher= NavSource Naval History
|date= |year= | work= Destroyer Archive | publisher= NavSource Naval History
| accessdate= 2010-07-27 }}
| accessdate= 2010-07-27 }}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Laboon, John}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Laboon, John}}
[[Category:1921 births]]
[[Category:1921 births]]
[[Category:1988 deaths]]
[[Category:1988 deaths]]
[[Category:American Jesuits]]
[[Category:20th-century American Jesuits]]
[[Category:American Roman Catholic priests]]
[[Category:United States Navy officers]]
[[Category:United States Navy officers]]
[[Category:United States Naval Academy graduates]]
[[Category:United States Naval Academy alumni]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Silver Star]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Silver Star]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit]]
[[Category:United States Navy chaplains]]
{{US-mil-bio-stub}}
[[Category:Vietnam War chaplains]]
[[Category:People from Woodstock, Maryland]]
[[Category:Catholics from Maryland]]

Latest revision as of 11:47, 29 December 2023

John Francis Laboon Jr.
Nickname(s)"Father Jake"
Born(1921-04-11)April 11, 1921
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
DiedAugust 1, 1988(1988-08-01) (aged 67)
Granite, Maryland
Place of burial
Woodstock College Jesuit Theologate Cemetery, Granite, Maryland
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service / branch United States Navy
Years of service1943–1980
RankCaptain
UnitUSS Peto (SS-265)
Battles / warsWorld War II Vietnam War
AwardsSilver Star
Legion of Merit

John Francis "Jake" Laboon Jr. (11 April 1921 – 1 August 1988) was an officer of the United States Navy, who served as a submariner in World War II and as a Roman Catholic chaplain in the Vietnam War.[1]

Early life

[edit]

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on 11 April 1921, John Laboon attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology for one year after high school at Pittsburgh Central Catholic 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 college 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 campus ministry group.

World War II

[edit]

After accelerated graduation in 1943, he trained as a submarine officer at New London, Connecticut, and upon completion, was assigned to USS Peto (SS-265). 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 through the mined waters, he rescued the pilot.

Priesthood

[edit]
See also: Roman Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services § Vietnam War

Lieutenant Laboon resigned from naval service shortly after the end of World War II, and entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) on 31 October 1946. On 17 July 1956, Father Jake was ordained a Jesuit priest at Woodstock, Maryland.

Father Laboon then applied for a commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve Chaplain Corps in February 1957, and in December 1958 was recalled to active duty. Over the course of the next 22 years, "Father Jake" served in various duty stations around the world, including Alaska, Hawaii, Japan and South Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat "V" for his fearless actions as battlefield Chaplain with the 3rd Marine Division in April 1969.

Other notable milestones in his distinguished career included the honor of nomination for promotion to the rank of admiral and service as chief of chaplains. The Polaris submarine program was also blessed with having Father Jake as its first chaplain. The U.S. Naval Academy was likewise honored with his services as the Senior Catholic Chaplain. On 31 October 1980, Captain Laboon retired as Fleet Chaplain, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

After retirement from the navy, Father Laboon returned to Annapolis, Maryland, to oversee the construction of the Jesuit-retreat facility, Manresa-on-Severn, within view of the U.S. Naval Academy. His final assignment was pastor of St. Alphonsus Rodriguez Church in Woodstock, Maryland. He served there until his death on 1 August 1988.

In 1993, the destroyer USS Laboon (DDG-58) was named in honor of Father Laboon. The Chaplain's Center at the Naval Academy is also named in his honor.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Richard Gribble CSC Navy Priest: The Life of Captain Jake Laboon SJ Washington D.C.: The Catholic University of America Press, 2015.
  • "USS Laboon Namesake". United States Navy. Archived from the original on 2009-04-27. Retrieved 2010-07-27.
  • Willshaw, Fred. "USS Laboon (DDG-58)". Destroyer Archive. NavSource Naval History. Retrieved 2010-07-27.
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