Christopher Kyle was a decorated United States Navy SEAL sniper, widely regarded as one of the most lethal snipers in American military history. Over the course of his distinguished military career, he served four tours of duty during the Iraq War, earning widespread recognition for his extraordinary skill, bravery, and unwavering dedication to his country.
Chris Kyle Medals of Honor
Chris Kyle was officially credited with 160 confirmed kills, although the actual number is believed to be significantly higher. His actions in combat earned him numerous commendations, including the Silver Star and three Bronze Star Medals with “V” devices for valor. In addition, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal twice—also with “V” devices—alongside a host of other personal and unit awards that spoke to his valor and effectiveness on the battlefield.
Who was Chris Kyle
Born on April 8, 1974, in Odessa, Texas, Christopher was the eldest of two sons born to Deborah Lynn (née Mercer) and Wayne Kenneth Kyle. His father was a deacon and Sunday school teacher, and Kyle was raised with a strong sense of faith, discipline, and patriotism. He attended high school in Midlothian, Texas, graduating in 1992, and initially pursued a career as a professional bronco rider and ranch hand. However, a serious injury to his arm ended his rodeo aspirations, prompting him to consider a different path—one of service.
Initially intending to join the U.S. Marine Corps, Kyle visited a military recruiting office, where a Navy recruiter convinced him to try out for the elite Navy SEALs. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on August 5, 1998, and began basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, in early 1999. After graduating in April, he went on to attend additional training at the Naval and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center (NMITC) in Dam Neck, Virginia, and later continued his education in intelligence work at NPC Millington, Tennessee.
Chris Kyle earned his place among the SEALs and quickly distinguished himself as an exceptional marksman and tactical operator. His sniper operations during the Iraq War were considered instrumental in protecting U.S. forces and supporting mission success in hostile environments. Kyle meticulously documented each mission, completing after-action reports known as “shooter’s statements,” which were reviewed by higher command and preserved for accountability.
Chris Kyle Family
After more than a decade of service, Chris Kyle was honorably discharged from the Navy in 2009. He returned home to Midlothian, Texas, to begin a new chapter with his wife, Taya, and their two children. Committed to helping others, he founded Craft International, a tactical training company that provided instruction to military personnel and law enforcement officers.
In 2012, Chris Kyle published his autobiography, American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History. The book quickly became a bestseller, bringing national attention to his life story, both on and off the battlefield. It was later adapted into a major motion picture directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper, further cementing Kyle’s legacy in the American consciousness.
Chris Kyle Death
Tragically, Chris Kyle’s life was cut short on February 2, 2013. He and his friend, Chad Littlefield, age 35, were shot and killed at the Rough Creek Ranch-Lodge-Resort shooting range near Chalk Mountain, Texas. The gunman, Eddie Ray Routh, was a 25-year-old former U.S. Marine who Kyle and Littlefield had taken to the range in an effort to help him cope with mental health issues, including PTSD and schizophrenia. Despite both Chris Kyle and Littlefield being armed, their weapons were still holstered with the safety mechanisms engaged, indicating that neither had drawn their firearm during the attack.
Eddie Routh used a .45-caliber pistol belonging to Kyle to fatally shoot him and a 9mm SIG Sauer, also owned by Kyle, to kill Littlefield. The tragedy shocked the nation and drew attention to the mental health struggles faced by many veterans. Routh was later found guilty of the murders and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Memorial Details for Chris Kyle
A memorial service for Chris Kyle was held on February 11, 2013, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, drawing thousands of mourners. The following day, his funeral procession stretched over 200 miles—from Midlothian to Austin—where he was laid to rest with full honors at the Texas State Cemetery. Along the route, hundreds of people gathered, many waving American flags and holding signs, to pay their final respects to a man who had served his country with unmatched bravery and sacrifice.
Chris Kyle’s legacy continues to live on through the lives he touched, the service he gave, and the conversations he sparked about duty, patriotism, and the invisible wounds of war. He is remembered not only as a warrior, but as a father, husband, mentor, and patriot who gave his all for his country and his fellow service members.