CPO Chris Kyle, 38, was born and raised in Texas and was a United States Navy SEAL from 1999 to 2009. He is currently known as the most successful sniper in American military history. He served four tours in Iraq, during which time he was officially credited with 160 confirmed sniper kills, with an unconfirmed number of 255. CPO Kyle’s pinpoint accuracy saved countless lives. For his bravery and skills, he was awarded some of the highest medals in the US military multiple times including the Bronze and Silver Star.

CPO Kyle enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August, 1998. He graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in March 2001, followed by SEAL Qualification Training in August 2001. He served with SEAL Team THREE as a SEAL Sniper until his honorable discharge in 2009.

On February 2, 2013, CPO Kyle and his trusted friend, Chad Littlefield, were killed at a gun range while helping a Marine veteran who was suffering from PTSD.

“We can never repay the debt we owe for the lives Chris Kyle saved and the freedom that he helped preserve for the U.S., but we can honor Chris Kyle’s memory, his patriotism, his inspiration, his sacrifice,” said Texas Gov Greg Abbott.

CPO Kyle is survived by his wife, Taya, and two children.