David LaConte was born on June 13, 1951, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on January 15, 1970, and completed basic training at NTC San Diego, California, in March 1970. LaConte attended A School at NTC San Diego from April to November 1970, followed by service at Naval Station Long Beach, California, from November 1970 to April 1971. His next assignment was aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Dubuque (LPD-8) from June 1971 to June 1972, and during this time he served aboard the ship during operations in support of the Vietnam War. Petty Officer LaConte attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training at NAB Coronado, California, from July to December 1972, followed by service with SEAL Team ONE at NAB Coronado from December 1972 to September 1973. He next deployed to Subic Bay in the Philippines, where he served with the Underwater Demolition Team detachment there from October 1973 to April 1974. Petty Officer LaConte served back with SEAL Team ONE at NAB Coronado from April 1974 to December 1975, followed by service as an Instructor in the BUD/S training program at NAB Coronado from December 1975 to November 1979. His next assignment was with SEAL Team ONE at NAB Coronado from December 1979 to April 1985, and during this time he deployed to Subic Bay with Naval Special Warfare Unit ONE from January to July 1982, and from October 1983 to February 1984. He then served with Navy Experimental Diving Unit, Panama City, Florida, from April 1985 to February 1987, followed by service with SEAL Team SIX at Dam Neck, Virginia, from March to June 1987. Senior Chief LaConte's final assignment was with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team TWO (SDVT-2) at NAB Little Creek from June 1987 until his retirement from the Navy on July 1, 1993. After his retirement, he worked with a defense contractor and deployed to Afghanistan in August 2009. David LaConte was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on November 13, 2009, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

The Sailor's Creed:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.