Inmemoryof the fighter of the International Legion, American Marine Thomas Gray Harris

28.09.2026, 09:00◉ 02 min readEditorial team “SHCHO STALOSIA”

He was open to everything new in life — Ukrinform.

Inmemoryof the fighter of the International Legion, American Marine Thomas Gray Harris

Thomas Gray Harris was born on November 18, 1990, in Apple Valley, California. The parents had problems with alcohol, so they were deprived of the right to a child and from the age of three the boy was brought up in the foster family of marine officers Richard and Susanne Harrison.

As a child, Thomas was an active participant in the scouting movement and was even awarded the highest honor of the movement - Eagle Scout. He was also active in sports – he had a black belt in taekwondo and played in regional golf competitions for the Highlander Golf Team for four years in a row.

Subsequently, he decided to obtain a higher medical education and studied neurology at Columbia University Preparatory Medical School in New York. He also received a certificate of an emergency medical specialist.

Details

One of his last great journeys was the Florida Way, a 2,400-kilometer-long pedestrian conservation route. He also dreamed of mastering the profession of a pilot and jumping with a parachute, for this he underwent training at the NASA Aviation Camp.

“His greatest desire was to experience life to the fullest. Thomas was a steadfast warrior, protector, and friend to all who knew him. We will miss him,” reads the official obituary in memory of Thomas Gray Harris.

Context

Thomas spent his childhood at a number of military bases where his new parents served: Rhode Island, Hawaii, Louisiana, Washington State, and the US capital, Washington.

After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 2009. After his recruitment training, he served in the 2nd Marine Division. In 2010, he took part in the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan.