Untold stories of Chris Kyle

[Peter1469]

Untold stories of Chris Kyle

Mark Lee Greenblatt responds to the attacks on Chris Kyle. He wrote a book on 9 heroes of the current wars - one of them was Chris Kyle.

This article pretty much refutes those attacks.

First, some background: Chris is one of the nine heroes profiled in my book Valor: Unsung Heroes from Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Home Front, which tells true stories of heroism by American troops. I interviewed Chris back when he was still relatively unknown. Later, when he wrote his own book, Chris told me that he intentionally omitted these episodes from his memoir because he didn't want to leave me hanging. That alone says a lot about Chris's character.


As we worked together on his chapter, I spent a bit of time with Chris. Our interviews stretched over eight hours during one of his tours in Baghdad. We exchanged numerous emails to resolve outstanding issues and refine the text.

Over that time, I caught glimpses into Chris's mindset.

And it rocked my world.

[waltky]

Chris Kyle's Medal Count 'adjusted' for accuracy...

Navy Revises 'American Sniper' Chris Kyle's Medal Count
Jul 10, 2016 - The Navy revised the medal count of "American Sniper" Chris Kyle, removing two valor awards from the murdered ex-SEAL's total, including one of his two Silver Stars.

Kyle, who became well-known after his memoir "American Sniper" was turned into a critically acclaimed film, originally wrote that he earned two Silver Stars, a statement consistent with a Navy separation form -- also called a DD214 -- from 2009, The Washington Post reported.

But last month, the Navy updated the form with the new medal count, removing one Silver Star and two Bronze Stars, an alteration first noted by USA Today on Friday. "After thoroughly reviewing all available records, the Navy determined an error was made in the issuance of Chief Petty Officer Chris Kyle's form DD214," Navy spokesman Ensign Marc Rockwellpate said in a statement. "Specifically, the DD214 did not accurately reflect the decorations and awards to which Kyle was officially entitled. After notifying his family of the error, the Navy issued a corrected copy of the DD214, which accurately reflects Kyle's years of honorable and extraordinary Navy service." Kyle was also not given credit for a Navy expert rifle medal on the original form, USA Today reported.

Former SEAL Chris Kyle

It's not uncommon for a DD214 to be revised. A Navy spokesman told The Navy Times more than 3,800 forms were corrected in 2015 alone. The prolific sniper, regarded as the deadliest in U.S. military history, served 10 years in the Navy before leaving the service in 2009. He was murdered, along with a friend, in 2013 by former Marine that Kyle was trying to help cope with post-traumatic stress disorder. That man was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Kyle's widow, Taya Kyle, didn't immediately return a phone call Sunday.

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2...dal-count.html

[waltky]

Guess dey felt he deserved a memorial anyway...

Memorial to Slain Navy Seal Chris Kyle Unveiled in Texas
Jul 29, 2016 — A memorial for slain Navy Seal and "American Sniper" author Chris Kyle has been unveiled in the West Texas city where he was born in 1974.

Ceremonies were held Thursday in Odessa to unveil the granite-and-limestone Chris Kyle Memorial Plaza, which also includes a bronze statue of Kyle. It is a privately funded memorial.

Marine Maj. Ramon Armendariz places his hand on the plaque at the Chris Kyle statue following its unveiling Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the Chris Kyle Memorial Plaza in Odessa, Texas.

Several trees from ex-President George W. Bush's ranch near Crawford were purchased by memorial organizers and moved to the site earlier this year.

Kyle and friend Chad Littlefield were killed in 2013 at a Texas shooting range. A former Marine was convicted in their deaths and sentenced to life in prison. Kyle's autobiography was the basis for the 2014 film "American Sniper," starring Bradley Cooper.

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2...led-texas.html