Who is IC1 (SEAL) Thomas Retzer

IC1 (SEAL) Thomas E. Retzer was born March 10, 1973 in Lancaster, California. He graduated from Mt. Whitney High School in Visalia, CA. Thomas Retzer grew up in a military family. His father served in the US Navy during most of Thomas’ youth. Thomas was also a devote athlete who wasn’t afraid of a challenge. He attended the California State High School wrestling championship and was award the All American award from his school. After graduating high school, Tom attended San Diego State University. After several years of attending SDSU Thomas made the decision to enlist in the United States Navy. Tom enlisted on May 10, 1993 as an Interior Communication Electrician and started his process in joining the Navy SEAL Brotherhood. After finishing his BUD/s training Thomas was assigned to SEAL Team 3. Several years later Thomas made the move over to Naval Special Warfare Developmental Group (DEVGRU).

On June 25, 2003, while deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, Thomas’ convoy made contact with enemy forces. Thomas was wounded during the battle. On June 26, 2003 IC1 (SEAL) Thomas Retzer succumbed his wounds. During his service, Thomas was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, both with Combat V Devices; Purple Heart Medal; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Joint Service Achievement Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; and numerous other campaign medals and awards. Thomas is survived by his wife, Courtney; his sons, Leif and Owen; his mother, Leona; his father, James; his brothers, James, Justin, and Michael; his father and mother-in-law, Thomas and Sandra Wasley; best friends, Jerry and Teresa Shick; and a host of family, friends, and teammates.

The Thomas Retzer (SEAL) Memorial Foundation’s is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with the vision to carry on the memory and values Thomas Retzer held dearly. These values support of the youth who are our future and the veterans who fought to defend everything we have.