Jack Laub - USMM 1944–46

Upon graduating from City College in 1944, Jack Laub served in the Merchant Marine during World War II, where he was commissioned as Ensign Officer in Maritime Service, and was later discharged as a Lieutenant of Senior Grade. In October 1946, he served as a Staff Officer for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Jack Laub (May 9, 1926-June 29, 2023)

Jack Laub passed away peacefully at his Florida home on June 29, 2023. He was a devoted husband , father, father- in- law, grandfather and great-grandfather. He deeply loved his family and had an important role in each of our lives. Above all of his many interests and endeavors in his long and full life was his love for America and the honor and pride he derived from his service in World War II, as a Lieutenant in the Merchant Marines.

Laub was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1926 and was a first generation American. His parents had fled Poland to escape religious persecutions and threats to their lives. He lived with his parents and five brothers in Brighton Beach, in a flat above the family’s restaurant. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, New York, where he played on the varsity basketball team and graduated with honors in 1943. After college graduation, Laub became the first Abraham Lincoln graduate to be drafted into the NBA.

After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School, Laub enrolled at City College of New York. From 1943 to 1945, he played for two varsity years under legendary City College coach Nat Holman.

Laub took a leave from City College in 1944, to serve in the Merchant Marines during World War II. There he was commissioned as Ensign Officer in Maritime Service, and was later discharged as a Lieutenant of Senior Grade. In October 1946, he also served as a Staff Officer for the U.S. Coast Guard.

In 1946, Laub was discharged from military service and was awarded a basketball scholarship at the University of Cincinnati, where he played with the Bearcats for four varsity years, making him the only player in NCAA to play for a total of six varsity years. In Cincinnati, he became known as the "Black Cat" because of his dark hair, defensive crouch and quick reflexes. Laub was considered one of the team's best shooters, helping the Bearcats win four conference championships and gain a reputation as one of the top teams in the country.

In 1950, Laub was drafted by the Baltimore Bullets, becoming one of the first two University of Cincinnati players to be drafted into the NBA. During his NBA career, he also played for the Minneapolis Lakers and Scranton Miners.

In 1951, Laub was appointed University of Cincinnati's first assistant basketball coach and later became its head scout. In 1951, with Laub's help, the Bearcats made their first appearance at the National Invitation Tournament.

In 1959, at age 32, he became the head coach of the U.S. Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy basketball team.

Laub went on to build a highly successful career in pharmaceuticals, as a recognized pioneer and innovator in the generic pharmaceutical industry, where he was recognized for his contributions in reducing the costs of drugs, and saving billions of dollars on behalf of American consumers.

In recognition of his various accomplishments, Laub received a number of honors throughout his lifetime:

In 2002, Laub was inducted into the City College of New York Basketball Hall of Fame.

In May 2010, the McMicken College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Cincinnati honored Laub with the Distinguished Alumni Award for his contribution to the reduction of prescription drug costs for consumers, hospitals and insurance companies in the US.

In 2011, Laub was conferred the honor of "Chevalier" of the French Legion of Honor, in recognition of his contribution to the United States’ crucial role in the liberation of France during World War II.

In 2012, Laub was recruited to the advisory board of Florida Atlantic University (FAU) to help establish the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. In that role, he funded a special scholarship program for medical students interested in breast cancer research. Laub became an active supporter of breast cancer research and pilot studies, in part because he lost two wives to the disease.

In September 2014, he was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum for his contributions to basketball.

In November 2016, Laub was inducted into the James P. Kelly University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame and the Brooklyn Jewish Hall of Fame. In November 2021, Laub was honored by his alma mater, the City University of New York, with the Townsend Harris Award—the University’s highest alumni award. Prior notable recipients of the award included General Colin Powell, Dr. Jonas Salk and Eli Wallach.

Over the years, Laub also was publicly honored by the New York Yankees, New York Mets and the Brooklyn Nets for his World War II Merchant Marine service, as well as his contributions to consumer healthcare.

Always remembering the gratitude he felt as a Merchant Marine and first- generation American returning safely to New York Harbor and again seeing “Lady Liberty”, Laub remained an active supporter and contributor to President Reagan’s and Lee Iacocca’s private sector campaign to restore and maintain the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

In May 2022, Laub received what he considered the greatest honor of his lifetime—to join his surviving comrades in Washington D.C. for the Congressional ceremony bestowing the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor on the Merchant Marines who had served in World War II.

In anticipating his own passing, Laub wished to be remembered as the loving head of his family and as a truly proud American who was privileged to serve his country and who always remained grateful for the many freedoms and opportunities afforded to him by this great nation.