LDS midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy here are making their mark as they take on top leadership responsibilities and provide role models for other midshipmen at the academy.

Pres. Boyd A. Waite, first counselor in the Annapolis Maryland Stake presidency and a chemistry professor at the Naval Academy, said several LDS midshipmen have been selected as battalion and brigade leaders, making them the first Mormons to be so honored at the academy.Two LDS young men were selected as battalion commanders to train plebes, who are members of the freshman class, during summer 1990 drills. Both young men, Preston Jones and Damon Fetters, will graduate this May from the academy.

"They represent the highest level appointments of any LDS midshipmen within the brigade for at least the past 10 years, and perhaps the highest ever," Pres. Waite said.

Dan Ballard, public communications director of the Annapolis Maryland Stake, explained that the 1,400 plebes are broken into two battalions - the Port Battalion and Starboard Battalion - with each battalion being led by a commander.

Jones and Fetters, members of the Annapolis Ward, Annapolis Maryland Stake, also provided the leadership to other upperclassmen involved in the plebe summer process, Ballard explained. They also addressed individual needs of particular plebes, he said.

"It is one of the most intense and unique leadership opportunities which exist at any of the academies," he continued. "They set the tone for the upcoming academic year."

Pres. Waite added, "Individuals selected to fill these highest positions within the brigade not only excel academically, but also are the most well-rounded midshipmen who demonstrate leadership both inside and outside the classroom.

"High moral standards, complete honesty and high integrity, superior performance in military activities and conduct, the highest respect among their peers, and involvement in many extra-curricular activities are among the attributes possessed by these young men, in addition to high academic standing."

Jones, president of the LDSSA of the Naval Academy, will also serve as a regimental commander for spring semester 1991, making him the No. 2 man in command of the entire 4,500-man brigade of midshipmen.

LDS midshipman Jeff Whetman served as a regimental commander during the 1989 fall semester, the first member of the Church to do so. He is a returned missionary, originally from Cedar City, Utah.

Jones, from Arnold, Md., served in the Washington Seattle Mission. Fetters is from Fredericksburg, Va.

"It is a tribute to these LDS young men that they continue to hold to these high standards in the face of the world's ways, and that they are now beginning to be recognized by the leaders of the Naval Academy," Pres. Waite said.