John Conners was born on March 28, 1964, in Boston, Massachusetts. He entered the Navy ROTC program at the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, on September 1, 1982, and was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy on May 29, 1987. After completing initial Fleet training, he attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, from August 1987 to February 1988, followed by service with SEAL Team FOUR at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, from February 1988 until he was killed in action while deployed to Panama in support of Operation Just Cause on December 20, 1989. John Conners was buried at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Arlington, Massachusetts.

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.