Chris Kyle: The Real-Life American Sniper

Who Was Chris Kyle?

Chris Kyle was a United States Navy SEAL sniper who served four tours in the Iraq War and was awarded several medals for his bravery. Kyle joined the Navy in 1999 and quickly gained admittance to its elite SEALs.

The Deadliest Marksman in U.S. History

Kyle's extraordinary shooting skills earned him the distinction of being the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history, with over 250 confirmed kills. He wrote a book in 2012 titled "American Sniper," which recounted his experiences in the war and became a bestseller.

Tragic Death and Confession

In 2013, Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield were shot and killed at a shooting range by Eddie Ray Routh. Routh was found guilty of murdering both men and, in a confession tape, explained his motive for the killings.

Legacy in American Sniper

Chris Kyle's story was brought to life on the big screen in the 2014 film "American Sniper," starring Bradley Cooper. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning eight Oscar nominations and raising awareness of Kyle's remarkable life and sacrifice.