Leicht, Jacob Carl

Jacob Carl Leicht was a 24-year-old Marine from College Station, Texas. He served as a Corporal with the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, based at Camp Pendleton, California. Before his deployment to Afghanistan, he had also served on deployments to the Philippines and the Horn of Africa.

On May 27, 2010, Leicht was conducting combat operations in the Marjah district of Helmand province. According to the Department of Defense, he was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) while on a dismounted patrol. The blast also wounded another Marine.

Leicht's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In early 2010, U.S. and allied forces launched a major offensive, Operation Moshtarak, in Helmand province, with the Marjah district being a primary objective. The area was heavily contested and seeded with IEDs.

Following his death, Leicht was posthumously promoted to the rank of Corporal. He was buried with full military honors at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas. His family and fellow Marines remembered him for his dedication and sense of humor.

In 2011, a memorial scholarship fund was established in his name at his alma mater, A&M Consolidated High School in College Station. His name is inscribed on the Afghanistan War Memorial at the Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station.

Jacob Leicht was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

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