Camp Pendleton Marine Lance Cpl. Benjamin Schmidt was killed Thursday in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The 24-year-old was the son of San Antonio Spurs team physician Dr. David Schmidt.
Dr. Schmidt told KSAT-TV in San Antonio that his son, who trained to be a sniper, was actually shot and killed by a sniper while on patrol. The Department of Defense reports his death is under investigation.
Dr. Schmidt said his son was a student at Texas Christian University when he decided to drop out and join the Marine Corps:
"(He) came home and said, 'I want to join the Marines.' And I said, 'The hell you are!' And he goes, 'I already have.'"
But Dr. Schmidt expressed pride at his son's decision to join the military:
"He loved his job. He was proud to serve his country."
Dr. Schmidt is also the team doctor for his son's Alma Mater, Alamo Heights High School, where the younger Schmidt played football. On Friday night the school paid homage to the fallen Marine. WOAI-TV was there and put together this video feature:
