Toby Thomas was born on May 4, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve on June 6, 1968, and went on active duty to begin basic training on October 4, 1968. Thomas completed basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, in December 1968, followed by Underwater Demolition/SEAL training with Class 050 at NAB Coronado, California, from January to May 1969. His first assignment was with SEAL Team ONE at NAB Coronado from May 1969 until he was killed in the crash of a UH-1 Iroquois helicopter in South Vietnam on June 23, 1970. Toby Thomas was buried at Saint Paul's Churchyard in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Sailor's Creed:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.