Born in late 1871, in Dresden, Germany, Thomas Marik never knew his father, who had been killed in the final days of the Franco-Prussian war. Serving as a surgeon for the German Army, Wilhelm Marik was killed by friendly fire while escorting French prisoners of war back to German lines. This incident would later affect his decision to leave Germany.

Tom, as he came to be known, showed an avid interest in the medical profession from a very early age. He would spend hours playing Doktor with the neighborhood girls using his father's instruments. This keen interest was also noticed by the girl's parents, who paid for his education at a private all boys military boarding school 165 kilometers away in Berlin.

Following his primary education, Tom went on to university and then to medical school. During this time he used his chemistry knowledge to craft unique alcoholic concoctions often disguising the large amounts of alcohol with sweet mixers and fruit. After his residency, he returned to his medical college as a teacher and researcher. His career was cut short when the Medical Board became concerned with his overt interest in working with female patients, as well as his questionable expenses.

Tom felt that this was the perfect oppurtunity to try something new, leaving Germany to join the French Foreign Legion as a surgeon. He served with distinction both on and off the battlefields of Africa. He was award the first ever Flight Surgeon badge for his pioneering use of early aircraft to fly wounded to hospitals.

When war broke out in Europe, Captain Marik had no problem serving with the French against Germany since he had learned of how his father had died. He hated the German leadership that allowed his father to be killed and for not punishing anyone for his death. He did not hate the German people as evidenced by his receiving of the Hindenburg Cross for his care of German prisoners of war.

After the war he was contacted by Dr. Eckener to serve with the Zeppelin Company. His dual skills as doctor and bartender would reduce crew complement and fill two needed positions. The private joke among the zeppelin crew is that Major Marik can poison during the night and cure during the day.

Awards:

French Foreign Legion badge - 1904

Combat Medic award - 1907

Flight Surgeon badge - 1912

Hindenburg Cross - 1918

Zeppelin badge - 1919

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