Major William Ernest Lesage was born in Denver, Colorado on August 29, 1921, and lived in the suburb of Englewood, Colorado. William attended Englewood High School, and then attended the Colorado School of Mines until he enlisted into the Marine Corps. Lesage served in World War II and remained active in the Corps until he was given orders to fight in the Korean War in 1950 as a Captain. Until the the beginning of May (1951) he was commanding officer of MAG 12 of the First Marine Air Wing, but preferred the danger of the night bombing, and asked for a transfer, and was assigned to VMFN 513 Night Fighter Squadron. Lesage's plane was shot down in May of 1951 during a night mission over enemy supply lines, and he was presumed MIA, until allied forces captured the territory and identified his body. As a result of his service, his family was given the Purple Heart in his honor. In addition, Lesage was never aware that he had been promoted to Major. Major Lesage was survived by his beloved wife and childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth L. Lesage (Mesch), and two daughters, one of whom he never met as she had been born seven months prior to his death. Major William E. Lesage loved being a pilot for the Marine Corps, and was honored to serve his country. Most importantly he loved his family and being a father. He is missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.