At just 21 years old, William Kyle Carpenter became a Lance Corporal in the United States Marines. In 2010, he was deployed to Afghanistan, where he would soon prove to be a true American hero.
During a fierce firefight, a grenade landed dangerously close to Kyle and another Marine. Without hesitation, Kyle made a split-second decision that would change his life forever. He jumped on the grenade, using his body as a shield to protect his fellow Marine from the blast.
Kyle’s selfless act of bravery came at a great cost. The explosion caused devastating injuries – his body was peppered with shrapnel, his skull and facial bones were shattered, and he lost part of his jaw. Despite being declared “patient expired on arrival” upon returning to Camp Bastion, somehow Kyle survived.
Over the next two years, Kyle underwent an astonishing forty surgeries. His incredible sacrifice did not go unnoticed – he was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery, and he was honored with the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama.
Today, Kyle has retired from military service and is pursuing a degree at the University of South Carolina. He is an inspiration to us all, a symbol of courage and selflessness.
Watch the video below to learn more about Kyle’s remarkable story. Share it to show your support for this incredible man who willingly risked everything to save another life.
