Tom’s family moved frequently due to his parents’ military careers. He was born in Huron, South Dakota, and later lived in San Marcos, Texas, and Cabot, Arkansas. As a child, he was active in both his church and community. He joined the high school band and achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

After graduating from Cabot High School in 1998, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was first assigned to Camp Stanley in South Korea as a field artilleryman. He later applied to and was accepted at the United States Military Academy. While at West Point, he played rugby and was a member of the Military Tactics Team. He graduated in 2005 and completed the Armor Officer Basic Course and Ranger School. In June 2006, he reported to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Richardson, Alaska, where he was assigned as the sniper platoon leader in Crusader Troop. He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On October 14, 2007, during a nighttime patrol, he was killed when his unit came under fire from insurgents using small arms.

His legacy lives on through his family, friends, and fellow soldiers, as well as through the Tom Martin Foundation. In recognition of his service and sacrifice, the United States Post Office in Huron, South Dakota, was renamed the First Lieutenant Thomas Michael Martin Post Office Building.