Michael Laymon was born on November 22, 1947, in Schenectady, New York. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on August 30, 1965, and completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, in November 1965. Private Laymon next attended Aviation Mechanic training, Basic Helicopter Mechanic training, and CH-46 Sea Knight Mechanic training at Naval Air Station Memphis, Tennessee, from December 1965 to July 1966. His first assignment was as a CH-46 Engine Mechanic, Crew Chief, and Gunner with HMM-262 at Marine Corps Air Facility New River, North Carolina, from July 1966 to January 1967, and then deployed to Southeast Asia aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli LPH-10), and based in South Vietnam, with his unit from January 1967 until he was killed in the crash of his CH-46 in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam, on August 31, 1967. Michael Laymon was buried at the Saint John the Baptist Cemetery in Schenectady, New York.

The Citation for his 2nd through 12th Air Medals reads:

For meritorious achievement in aerial flight as an Aerial Gunner with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 during combat missions in support of the Republic of Vietnam from 25 January to 10 July 1967. Completing numerous missions during this period while often exposed to hostile fire at close range, Lance Corporal Laymon contributed materially to the success of his squadron. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.