John F . Laboon John Francis 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 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 " ( 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 throughout the mined waters , he rescued the pilot . 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 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 a distinguished career , include the honor of nomination for promotion to the rank of Admiral and services 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 a 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 .