Chris Kyle became a household name as one of the most skilled and lethal snipers in U.S. military history. Across four tours in Iraq, his precision shooting and fierce commitment to protecting his fellow service members earned him the title “American Sniper.” To many, he embodied the courage and complexity of the modern American warrior.
When his combat service ended, Kyle faced the challenging shift to civilian life. Channeling his experiences into writing, he authored a memoir that offered a raw, unfiltered look at the costs of war—both on the battlefield and at home. The book became a bestseller and was later adapted into the 2014 film American Sniper, directed by Clint Eastwood, which brought his story to audiences around the world.
Tragically, in 2013, Kyle and a friend were killed while attempting to support a fellow veteran struggling with post-traumatic stress. His untimely death marked the loss of a soldier whose legacy was built not only on his combat achievements, but on his enduring commitment to helping others find their way after war.
Chris Kyle’s early life
Chris Kyle was born on April 8, 1974, in Odessa, Texas, and spent his formative years on a ranch, embracing the rugged lifestyle of rural Texas. At eight years old, his father gave him a .30-06 Springfield rifle, sparking a lifelong fascination with firearms.
He attended high school in Midlothian, Texas, where his competitive spirit was evident. After graduating in 1992, Kyle pursued a career in professional rodeo as a bronco rider, but a severe arm injury abruptly cut his rodeo dreams short. Following the setback, he enrolled at Tarleton State University, spending two years studying Ranch and Range Management.
Training to be a US Navy SEAL
Chris Kyle joined the US Navy in 1998. Although he had originally considered the US Marine Corps, he was persuaded by a Navy recruiter to try out for the SEALs program, despite his reservations about the pins in his arm from a previous rodeo injury.
Kyle started basic training in February 1999 at Naval Station Great Lakes, completing it just a few months later. He then underwent intelligence training. Although initially turned away, he was later selected for the demanding Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. After successfully making it through the rigorous training, he graduated in March 2001 with Class 233.
Upon graduating, Kyle continued with 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 released his memoir, American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History, which quickly became a bestseller. The book recounted his experiences in Iraq, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities he faced as a sniper.
In an interview with TIME, Kyle explained his motivations: he wanted to shed light not only on the sacrifices made by military personnel but also on the burdens carried by their families—single parents raising children, managing households, and coping with everyday struggles. He also sought to honor his fellow SEALs who performed heroic acts without recognition, noting that many died in service without receiving the Medal of Honor.
The memoir, however, sparked debate. Some critics questioned the accuracy of certain claims, including his reported kill count and specific anecdotes. Despite the scrutiny, the book struck a chord with readers, offering a candid, unvarnished view of wartime life.
Kyle defended his narrative, stressing the chaotic nature of combat and the difficulty of documenting every detail precisely. For many, the memoir stood as a compelling and authentic depiction of the realities faced by soldiers on the front lines.
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, tragedy struck when Chris Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield were murdered by Eddie Ray Routh, a former Marine suffering from severe mental health struggles. The shooting occurred at a Texas gun range, where Kyle and Littlefield had taken Routh to help him cope with his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Kyle was struck six times, and Littlefield seven, leaving both men dead at the scene.
Their deaths sent shockwaves across the nation, drawing attention to the urgent mental health crisis affecting many veterans after war. In the days that followed, thousands gathered to pay their respects at a public memorial for Kyle, a testament to the deep respect and admiration he earned for his service, sacrifice, and dedication to helping others long after leaving the battlefield.
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Routh was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.