Chris Kyle became a US military legend for his extraordinary sniper skills and dedication to his fellow service members. Known as the “American Sniper,” his career included four tours in Iraq. Beyond the battlefield, Kyle faced challenges as he transitioned back into civilian life, sharing his experiences in a controversial memoir that inspired the 2014 film, American Sniper.
Tragically, he and his friend lost their lives in 2013, while trying to help a struggling former US Marine.
Chris Kyle’s early life
Chris Kyle was born on April 8, 1974, in Odessa, Texas. Growing up on a ranch, his early years were defined by the rugged lifestyle of rural Texas. By the time he was eight years old, his father had introduced him to hunting, gifting him a .30-06 Springfield rifle, which sparked a lifelong passion for firearms.
Kyle attended high school in Midlothian, Texas, where he was known for his competitiveness. After graduating in 1992, he began a career in professional rodeo as a bronco rider. However, his rodeo career was cut short by a severe arm injury. This setback led him to Tarleton State University, where he studied Ranch and Range Management for two years.
Training to be a US Navy SEAL
Chris Kyle enlisted in the US Navy in 1998. Initially interested in the US Marine Corps, he was persuaded by a Navy recruiter to attempt the SEALs program, despite initial concerns about the pins in his arm from his rodeo injury.
Kyle began basic training in February 1999 at Naval Station Great Lakes, graduating just a few months later. This was followed by intelligence training. While initially rejected, he was invited to the grueling Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, and after the intense training graduated in March 2001, with Class 233.
Following his graduation, Kyle began SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) and was assigned to SEAL Team-3, Sniper Element, Platoon “Charlie.”
Chris Kyle’s service in the Iraq War
Chris Kyle’s service in Iraq began with the 2003 invasion. As part of SEAL Team-3, his role as a sniper proved crucial in several battles, including at al-Faw and the Second Battle of Fallujah. Known for his precision, his reputation grew, with the insurgents he’d been tasked with hunting down dubbing him the “Devil of Ramadi.” They also placed a bounty on his head.
Deployed on four tours, Kyle’s most famous sniper shot occurred during his deployment to Ramadi, where he killed an insurgent from over a mile away. He also used his skills to save ground troops from an individual with a grenade. In what was his first ever long-range kill, he used his .300 Winchester Magnum to make the shot.
His actions were instrumental in protecting the American and allied forces, earning him a Silver Star and four Bronze Stars with “V” devices. He’s since been called the deadliest sniper is US military history, with him placing his personal kill count at 160.
Controversy surrounding American Sniper
In 2012, Chris Kyle published his memoir, American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History, which quickly became a bestseller. The book detailed his experiences in Iraq and highlighted his role as a sniper.
Speaking with TIME, the US Navy SEAL revealed his intentions behind it, saying, “I wanted to be able to get it out about not the sacrifices that the military members make, but the sacrifices that their families have to go through about the single mothers now raising their children and doing all the day-to-day house chores. But then also stories about my guys who deserve to be out there. They didn’t get the Medal of Honor so you don’t know about them, but they died heroes and people should know about them.”
However, it wasn’t without controversy. Critics questioned the accuracy of various claims he made, including his kill count and anecdotes. Despite this, the book resonated with readers, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective on the realities of war.
Kyle addressed the controversies by standing by his account, emphasizing the chaos of conflict and the challenges of verifying every detail. The public largely supported him, viewing the memoir as an honest portrayal of a soldier’s life.
American Sniper was adapted for the big screen by Clint Eastwood
Chris Kyle’s story reached a wider audience with the 2014 film adaptation of American Sniper. It was directed by the one and only Clint Eastwood, who was drawn to Kyle’s story for its exploration of the personal and professional challenges faced by troops. The film was widely viewed as anti-war, with Eastwood discussing his stance on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in a 2015 interview:
“I was not a big fan of going to war in Iraq or Afghanistan, for several reasons, several practical reasons. One, Afghanistan, the British had never been successful there; the Russians had 10 years there and hadn’t been successful […] Iraq, I know, was a different deal, because there was a lot of intelligence that told us that bad things could happen there, and we’re never sure how that ended up, whether it was pro or con. [But] I tend to err on the side of less is best.”
The film was both a commercial success and a subject of debate; it was praised for its portrayal of Kyle’s life, but criticized for its depiction of the Iraq War. Despite differing opinions, it resonated with audiences, earning six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Murder of Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield
On February 2, 2013, Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield were murdered by Eddie Ray Routh, a former US Marine who was suffering from mental health issues. It occurred at a shooting range in Texas, where the friends had taken Routh to help him cope with his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Kyle was shot six times, while Littlefield suffered seven bullet wounds.
The news of Kyle’s death sent ripples across the United States and highlighted the struggles faced by veterans dealing with mental health challenges. The aftermath saw an outpouring of grief and support, with thousands attending his memorial service.
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Routh was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.