AUSTIN, TX, USA U.S. Marines CPL, H&S CO, 3D BN, 2D MAR, (RCT-5, I MEF FWD), 2D MAR DIV, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC HABBANIYAH, IRAQ 11/25/2006
Marine Corporal Michael Ledsome joined the Marines with his younger brother, Brad. They enlisted and graduated together. His enlistment was a surprise to his family who had no warning about his thoughts of a military career. He sensed it was the right thing to do and he knew his job was important. He was very much a hero and very much loved by those who came into contact with him.
While conducting combat operations, he and another Marine died on November 25, 2006 in Anbar province, Iraq a hotbed of Sunni Arab insurgency. Corporal Ledsome was assigned to the 3d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, 2d Marine Expeditionary Force based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Corporal Ledsome was from Brownwood, Texas, about 100 miles northwest of Austin. He was a 2000 graduate of Brownwood High School. He was an athletic teenager who loved golf. After graduation he moved to Austin and ran a pro shop at a golf course. Austin was home to he and his wife Megan and two-year old son Caleub. He loved being with his son whenever he could. Life was about having fun and putting a smile on everyone’s face. He could find something to laugh about in every situation. His family meant everything to him but the true joys of his life were his wife Megan and 2 yr old son, Caelub. Other passions were the Texas Longhorns and golf. A friend remembers that “Craig” as they called him would draw up golf tournament stats on big white poster boards and post them outside of the club house. His calligraphy was greatly admired.
He leaves behind his wife and son, Megan and Caelub; his parents, a brother, and a sister.