Lance Corporal Thomas Leslie Snider Ball Birth Date 02/10/1948. Branch of service; United States Marine Corps Served with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force as an Antitank Assault man. These service members provide medium and heavy anti-armor fire in support of the infantry battalion. Date of casualty 11/30/1967 Casualty Province THUA THIEN, VIETNAM Lcpl Thomas Ball was cremated. The location of his ashes are unknown. Home of record, Seattle, King County, WA Vietnam Memorial Wall. Honored on panel 31E, Line 8 of the wall. Reported: The Marine Corps plans to do away with the 0351 military occupational specialty — infantry assault man — and phase out assault sections within rifle companies. Published Jan. 3, 2018.

Tom was a neighbor, and classmate. I didn't know him well, but he was the first acquaintance who lost his life in Viet Nam. I have a deep respect for ALL military servicemen and women! I was very saddened to hear of Tom's death.

Semper Fidelis/RIP

I remember Tom from way back in second grade at Adams Elementary School.  He, Betty Frakes and I were the only kids in the class with freckles.  Betty and I took turns having crushes on him.  His dad had been killed in the Korean War and Tommy wore a cool embroidered jacket his dad had sent him.  I can still picture him in that jacket.  Tommy died a proud Marine in Vietnam.  I visit his name on The Wall every time I'm in DC.  Sadly, his name is one line higher than I can reach.  I miss you, Tommy.  Semper Fi!