The man known as Snake-Eyes remains a mystery to most people. One of the most secretive operatives in the military, much of his past is unknown. Snake-Eyes grew up somewhere in the United States, along with his twin sister, Theresa. Brother and sister were very close throughout their youth. He would carry Terri's picture with him for good luck during his military career.

At age 18, Snake-Eyes enlisted in the Army and after basic training, he went through Advanced Infantry Training and Ranger School. After finishing his training he came home to tell his family he was being shipped out to South East Asia to the front lines of the Vietnam War. His family hadn't expected him to go so soon. His father, Mark, told him he was worried about the things he would have to go through, but Snake-Eyes explained that he thought that serving the country and making a difference was important. His father asked to to keep his faith, but he thought that he'd need luck to survive. His father wished him luck and added that luck can run out quick, "and the next thing you know... 'Snake-Eyes'. End of the line." The family said their goodbyes, and Terri gave her brother a photo of her for good luck.

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Storm Shadow was born in San Francisco to a family of Japanese immigrants. As a child, he was known as Tommy, and he grew up in an American lifestyle while still learning about his own culture. Still a teenager, Tommy travelled to his family home in Japan. He learned that his family was also a respected clan of ninjas. Tommy studied with his uncles, the Soft Master and the Hard Master. He also spent time with his younger cousin, known as Jinx. Tommy became quite skilled and was granted the title of the Young Master. When he was old enough, Tommy enlisted in the army to fight in Vietnam. His family saw a real war as a "graduate school for their prized pupil." Serving on Long Range Recon Patrol (LRRP), Tommy honed his skills, learning the art of stealth better than he could at home.

During his time in Vietnam, Tommy met Snake-Eyes. On their first tour of duty together, they became friends, as close as brothers. Tommy even offered Snake-Eyes a place in the "family business" when they returned home. Their first tour came to an abrupt end when a battle resulted in the deaths of the rest of the soldiers in their unit. They were eventually assigned to a LRRP unit under the command of Lonzo "Stalker" Wilkinson, accompanied by three other soldiers: Wade Collins, Ramon Escobedo and Dick Saperstein. The group stumbled upon an encampment of North Vietnamese soldiers and a firefight ensued. Collins, Saperstein and Escobedo were all believed killed in the attack. Snake-Eyes, Stalker and Tommy all retreated to a landing zone for rescue. As the three soldiers ran across a field toward the extraction chopper, they were fired upon. Snake-Eyes was hit badly and Stalker ordered Tommy to leave him. Tommy refused, running back to save his friend and to Stalker's amazement, he evaded all enemy fire and retrieved Snake-Eyes and the photo of his sister that was so important to him. Recovering from his injuries, Snake-Eyes was sent home only to find his family had died in a car wreck, on their way to meet him.

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