Diffenbaugh, Thomas M.
Marines Warrant officer
Thomas M. Diffenbaugh, age 34, from Bakersfield, California, Kern county.
Service era: Gulf War
Date of death: Saturday, January 5, 1991
Death details: Died non-battle. While driving home from work during blackout conditions, he went to pass a car and was hit head-on by an armored vehicle that killed him instantly.
Source: White House Commission on Remembrance, Department of Defense, U.S. Marines
Chief Diffenbaugh,was my Mentor and my Squad Leader in 1980-1981,He was a Corporal rose too Rank of Ssgt quickly meritoriously.I was proud too call him a Leader and a true friend even though he was hard on me it made me the Sgt I was out of the Washington State Guard when I got out of the Corp’s in Dec.1983.He is a True Hero.Sgt.Larry J.Kocha,MosesLake,Wa.
I was a Unit Diary Clerk at 7th Engineer Support Battalion 1981-83. Corporal Diffenbaugh was a Marines Marine. Always looked like he just shaved after a daily haircut. Boots glistening. Always charged up, always smiling. After his meritorious promotion to Sergeant, he was a fixture at battalion headquarters. Always with a smile and the firm handshake. “Layton, if these NCO’s aren’t taking care of you, you come see me!”
What a tragic loss for the Marine Corps, and for humanity in general. – CJ Layton
Briefly served with Warrant Officer Diffenbaugh at Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA during our 1990 Warrant Officer Basic Course. Diffenbaugh was a stand-up guy… superb Marine… Many of us called him “Robo Cop” because of his slick shaved head… He was a squared away Marine… We lost a truly great guy and true blue Marine on Jan. 5, 1991. Semper Fi. Doug Bishop CWO4 USMC (Ret.)
Tom and I were school mates. I can’t think of the Gulf War and not think of Tom. I hope God’s peace be with you.