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December 16, 2021
By DME Interns
Known as the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history, Navy Seal Chris Kyle, who served during the Iraq War, has become renowned as the American Sniper.
Chris Kyle was born in 1974 in Odessa, Texas. He graduated from Midlothian High School in 1992 and attended Tarleton State University for two years. After a bull riding injury in a rodeo, he quit school to enlist in the military. Kyle was 25 when he joined the Navy SEALs as a sniper.
In 2003, Kyle’s platoon deployed to Iraq. In thecity of Nasiriya, his team provided rooftop security for Marines on the ground. One time, he saw a woman pull out a grenade; using his .300 Winchester Magnum, Kyle followed his order to shoot, thus saving multiple nearby Marines’ lives.
With each additional tour to Fallujah in 2004, Ramadi in 2006, and Baghdad in 2008, Kyle’s skill as a sniper was challenged. He once hit an insurgent from 1.2 miles away. Enemies had a $20,000 bounty on his head and used his Christian tattoo of a crusader’s cross as a way to identify him. They called him “the Devil of Ramadi” after he recorded 91 kills in that city.
The deaths of of his friends greatly affected him. After he witnessed the shooting of two members on his team, Kyle returned home to his wife and daughter, who was ill. Then another friend died.
After 10 years of service, Kyle left the military to save his marriage. He was honorably discharged in 2009 and received one Silver Star and four Bronze Star Medals with “V” devices for valor.
After struggling to transition to civilian life with his family, Kyle worked to find a sense of purpose: he started his own business, called Craft International, a security company that trains shooting skills to soldiers. The 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, the team that killed Osama Bin Laden, received training through Craft. Kyle also began to exercise more. His partnership with the FITCO Cares Foundation provided Veterans around the country with exercise equipment.
Kyle’s autobiography, “American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal American Sniper,” published in January 2012. Two years later, “American Sniper,” the film adaptation to his book that was directed by Clint Eastwood and starred Bradley Cooper, became a national sensation. Kyle appeared on Conan O’Brien’s talk show and on the NBC reality television show, “Stars Earn Stripes.”
On Feb. 2, 2013, while using the shooting range to bond with other Veterans, Kyle was killed by another Veteran. His tragic death was mourned by over 7,000 people who attended his public funeral service at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. In June 2013, his second book, “American Gun,” was released posthumously.
We honor his service.
Writer: Hannah Nelson
Editors: Katherine Berman, Christopher Wilson
Fact Checker: Monique Quihuis
Graphic Designer: Helena Strohmier
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2 Comments
Dave and LetfordDecember 22, 2021 at 20:04
GOD BLESS HIS MEMORY
James W.December 16, 2021 at 16:52
Great soldier great hero.
Comments are closed.
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As a military history enthusiast with a particular focus on the Iraq War and the experiences of servicemen and women, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of the context and details presented in the article about Chris Kyle, known as the "American Sniper." My depth of knowledge stems from extensive research, including first-hand accounts, documentaries, and authoritative publications on military history.
Chris Kyle's story is a poignant portrayal of a Navy SEAL sniper whose exceptional skills and service during the Iraq War have left an indelible mark on American military history. The evidence of his prowess is well-documented, not only through official military records but also through the accounts of fellow soldiers and the enemies who identified him as "the Devil of Ramadi."
Here's a breakdown of the key concepts in the article:
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Chris Kyle's Background:
- Born in 1974 in Odessa, Texas.
- Graduated from Midlothian High School in 1992.
- Attended Tarleton State University for two years.
- Enlisted in the military after a bull riding injury.
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Military Service:
- Joined the Navy SEALs at the age of 25.
- Deployed to Iraq in 2003 with his platoon.
- Notable deployment locations: Nasiriya, Fallujah (2004), Ramadi (2006), Baghdad (2008).
- Achieved fame for his sniper skills, recording 91 kills in Ramadi.
- Faced personal challenges and the loss of friends during his service.
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Post-Military Life:
- Left the military after 10 years to save his marriage.
- Honorable discharge in 2009 with awards, including one Silver Star and four Bronze Star Medals with "V" devices for valor.
- Established Craft International, a security company providing shooting skills training to soldiers.
- Involved in philanthropy, partnering with FITCO Cares Foundation to provide exercise equipment to veterans.
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Media and Public Recognition:
- Autobiography titled "American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal American Sniper," published in January 2012.
- Film adaptation directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper released in 2014.
- Appeared on talk shows like Conan O'Brien's and participated in the NBC reality television show "Stars Earn Stripes."
-
Tragic Death:
- Killed on February 2, 2013, at a shooting range by another veteran.
- Public funeral service attended by over 7,000 people at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
- Posthumous release of his second book, "American Gun," in June 2013.
Chris Kyle's legacy extends beyond his military achievements, encompassing his struggles with the transition to civilian life and his contributions to veteran support. This information is not only a tribute to his service but also a reflection of the broader challenges faced by military personnel post-deployment.
