Briefing Document: Michael Craig Ledsome

Subject: Biographical Information and Military Service of Michael Craig Ledsome

Date: October 26, 2023

1. Introduction:

This document summarizes key information about Michael Craig Ledsome, extracted from the provided source. It outlines his personal background, early life, military service, and ultimate death in action.

2. Key Biographical Information:

Full Name: Michael Craig Ledsome

Date of Birth: December 4, 1981

Place of Birth: Brownwood, Brown County, Texas

Parents: Tammy Leigh Johnson and Michael Dewayne Ledsome

Education: Graduated from Brownwood High School in 2000.

Early Career: Managed a golf pro shop at the Balcones Country Club in Austin, Texas.

Personal Interests: Avid golfer and Texas Longhorns fan.

3. Personal Life:

Marriage: Married Megan A Smith on July 11, 2004, in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Family: The couple had a two-year-old son at the time of Ledsome's death.

4. Military Service:

Enlistment: Joined the U.S. Marine Corps on January 10, 2005.

Military Occupation: Trained as a Field Radio Operator.

Unit: Assigned to Hq & Supply Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Quote: “Corporal Michael C. Ledsome U.S. Marine Corps Field Radio Operator Hq & Supply Company 3rd Battalion 2nd Marine Regiment 2nd Marine Division II Marine Expeditionary Force Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.”

Deployment: Deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

5. Injury and Death:

Injury: Injured his back in August 2006 when a roadside bomb exploded near his convoy, requiring hospitalization.

Quote: "During Operation Iraqi Freedom, he injured his back in August 2006 when a road side bomb exploded near his convoy and he was in a hospital until recently."

Death: Killed in action on November 25, 2006, in Habbaniyah, Iraq, while in combat with a hostile enemy.

Quote: "He was killed in action at Habbaniyah, Iraq on 25 Nov 2006 in combat with a hostile enemy."

6. Posthumous Events:

Body Recovery: His body was recovered and repatriated to the United States, specifically shipped to Austin, Texas.

Funeral: Funeral service with full military honors held on Tuesday, December 5, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. in the Colonial Chapel, Austin, Texas.

Interment: Buried in Cook Walden Forest Oaks Memorial Park, Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Quote: "His funeral service with full military honors was on Tuesday, 5 Dec 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in the Colonial Chapel, Austin, Texas with interment in Cook Walden Forest Oaks Memorial Park, Austin, Travis County, Texas."

7. Main Themes and Observations:

Young Life Cut Short: Michael Ledsome's life was tragically cut short at the age of 24 while serving his country.

Service and Sacrifice: His military service and ultimate sacrifice highlight the dedication of soldiers in times of conflict.

Personal Passions: Despite his military service, his personal passions for golf and the Texas Longhorns illustrate his life beyond his military career.

Family Impact: The document points to the existence of a young family and the lasting impact of Ledsome's loss on them.

Tribute and Remembrance: The details of his funeral service and interment highlight the respect and honor afforded to fallen service members.

8. Conclusion:

Michael Craig Ledsome's story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war. His transition from an athletic teenager and golf enthusiast to a Marine who served in Iraq, ultimately giving his life in combat, is a compelling narrative that underscores the sacrifices made by many individuals and families.