Brief Biographical Sketch

Christopher Scott Kyle (April 8, 1974 – February 2, 2013)

Chris was a United States Navy SEAL sniper, known as the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history with 160 confirmed kills during four tours in the Iraq War. Nicknamed “The Legend” by his fellow soldiers and “al-Shaitan” (the Devil) by Iraqi insurgents, who placed a bounty on his head, Kyle’s experiences were chronicled in his bestselling 2012 memoir American Sniper, which inspired Clint Eastwood’s 2014 Oscar-nominated film starring Bradley Cooper.

Born in Odessa, Texas, to a church deacon father and Sunday school teacher mother, Kyle grew up on a cattle ranch in rural Texas, honing his marksmanship through hunting from a young age. After graduating from Midlothian High School in 1992, he briefly attended Tarleton State University, worked as a ranch hand, and competed as a professional bronco rider until injuries ended that pursuit.

Kyle enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1999 at age 25, joining the elite SEALs despite his initial fear of water. He hated water to the extent that he would walk around puddles, yet this fear motivated him to push through the rigorous, water-intensive SEAL training to avoid ending up on a ship.

Deploying with SEAL Team 3 starting in 2003, he provided critical overwatch in intense battles such as Fallujah and Ramadi, earning two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, and other honors over his decade of service.

Chris achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer and was honorably discharged in 2009. He returned to Midlothian with his wife, Taya (married in 2002), and their two children, where he founded the security training firm Craft International and advocated for Veterans through the FITCO Cares Foundation to address PTSD. Tragically, Kyle was shot and killed at a Texas shooting range by Eddie Ray Routh, a troubled Veteran he was mentoring.

He was buried at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin following a massive public funeral procession. Kyle’s legacy highlights the valor and personal costs of modern warfare.