Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Captain John Francis Laboon, Jr. (NSN: 0-282805), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Fleet Chaplain on the Staff of the Commander in Chief U.S. Atlantic Fleet from November 1976 through October 1980. Captain Laboon displayed superb leadership and professional competence in developing and implementing progressive religious programs which enhanced the morale and welfare of Atlantic Fleet personnel. He demonstrated exemplary foresight and resourcefulness in increasing the numbers of circuit-riding chaplains and Religious Program Specialists which ultimately ensured maximum religious support to deployed units. Captain Laboon not only provided beneficial services to units home-ported at Norfolk, Virginia, but also activated the New London, Connecticut, component of the Fleet Religious Support Activity and expanded the existing lay leader program. His ministerial service made his sound advice and counsel of immeasurable value to the Fleet Commander. Captain Laboon’s distinctive accomplishments, compassionate demeanor, and impressive devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Peto (SS-265)

    Action Date:

    July 14 – August 30, 1945
    Commander Submarine Forces Pacific: Serial 02525 (October 23, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant [then Lieutenant, Junior Grade] John Francis Laboon, Jr. (NSN: 0-282805), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while attached to the U.S.S. PETO (SS-265), during the TENTH War Patrol of that Submarine in action against enemy forces in the Japanese Empire Area from 14 July to 30 August 1945. With his ship subjected to accurate shelling following a hazardous run through shallow, mined waters only a few miles from a hostile shore, Lieutenant Laboon dived into the water before the submarine had come to a full stop and, pulling a drowning Allied pilot aboard, allowed the ship to retire quickly from the danger area. His courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Laboon and the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Commander John Francis Laboon, Jr. (NSN: 0-282805), United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Republic of Vietnam. (Commander Laboon is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)