USS Lapon (SS-260)

USS Lapon (SS-260) was a Gato-class submarine of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1943 and decommissioned in 1946. She earned five battle stars for her service in World War II.

Lapon conducted seven war patrols in the Pacific Theater, primarily operating in the waters around Japan, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea. Her missions included sinking enemy ships, laying mines, and conducting reconnaissance.

Notable sinkings attributed to Lapon include various Japanese merchant ships and smaller naval vessels. She contributed significantly to the Allied effort to disrupt Japanese shipping lanes and cripple their war economy.

Following the end of World War II, Lapon was placed out of commission in reserve. She was eventually scrapped in 1960. Despite her relatively short service life, USS Lapon played a vital role in the submarine warfare of World War II, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Gato-class submarine design. Her combat record and contributions to the war effort earned her a distinguished place in naval history.