About Chris Kyle
Christopher Scott Kyle (April 8, 1974 – February 2, 2013) was a United States Navy SEAL sniper and author. Kyle served four tours in the Iraq War and was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a Combat Action Ribbon. With a claim of 160 confirmed kills in combat, he is one of the most prolific snipers in military history. He was awarded one Silver Star and three Bronze Star Medals with "V" devices for valor. Kyle was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 2009, and published his bestselling autobiography, American Sniper, in 2012. His autobiography contains several incidents that are unverifiable or that appear to have been fabricated, including shootings in New Orleans and Dallas, and he was sued by Jesse Ventura for defamation. In 2013, Kyle was murdered by Eddie Ray Routh at the Rough Creek Lodge shooting range near Chalk Mountain, Texas. Routh, a former Marine, was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole. A film adaptation of Kyle's book, directed by Clint Eastwood, and starring Bradley Cooper as Kyle, was posthumously released in 2014. His father bought Kyle his first rifle at the age of eight, a bolt-action.30-06 Springfield rifle, and later a shotgun, with which they hunted deer, pheasant, and quail. He served four tours in the Iraq War and was awarded several commendations for acts of heroism and meritorious service in combat. Kyle attended high school in Midlothian, Texas, and after graduating in 1992, became a professional bronco rider and ranch hand, however his professional rodeo career ended abruptly when he severely injured his arm. He claimed to have had 160 confirmed kills and was awarded a Silver Star, four Bronze Star Medals with "V" devices for valor, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals with "V" devices, and numerous other unit and personal awards.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.