History of Chris Kyle in Timeline

Chris Kyle was a highly decorated United States Navy SEAL sniper renowned for his service during the Iraq War. He completed four tours, earning a Silver Star and three Bronze Star Medals with Valor devices for his exceptional bravery and meritorious actions in combat. Officially credited with 160 confirmed kills, Kyle became a prominent figure associated with the Iraq War and the special operations community. His experiences and achievements made him a notable figure in military history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Legacy & Impact

1911: .45-caliber 1911-style Pistols

On February 2, 2013, Kyle and his friend, Chad Littlefield, were shot and killed. Both Kyle and Littlefield were armed with .45-caliber 1911-style pistols when they were murdered. The murder weapon was a .45-caliber pistol, while Littlefield was shot with a 9 mm SIG Sauer pistol. The .45-caliber 1911-style pistols were introduced in 1911.

April 8, 1974: Christopher Scott Kyle Born

Christopher Scott Kyle was born on April 8, 1974. He would later become a U.S. Navy SEAL sniper.

Others born on this day/year

1992: High School Graduation and Rodeo Career

In 1992, after graduating from high school in Midlothian, Texas, Kyle became a professional bronco rider and ranch hand.

1994: University Studies

From 1992 to 1994, Kyle attended Tarleton State University, studying Ranch and Range Management. He ended his studies in 1994.

August 5, 1998: Enlistment in the U.S. Navy

Chris Kyle enlisted in the United States Navy on August 5, 1998, beginning his journey towards becoming a Navy SEAL.

February 10, 1999: Start of Basic Training

On February 10, 1999, Kyle began basic training for the U.S. Navy.

April 1999: Graduation from Basic Training

In April 1999, Kyle graduated from basic training at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois.

July 1999: Intelligence Specialist Training

From April to July 1999, Kyle attended additional training as an Intelligence Specialist at NMITC Dam Neck, Virginia.

August 1999: Intelligence Training

From August 1999 to March 2000, Kyle attended Intelligence Specialist training at NPC Millington, Tennessee.

March 2000: Completion of Intelligence Training

In March 2000, Kyle completed Intelligence Specialist training at NPC Millington, Tennessee.

March 2001: Graduation from BUD/S

In March 2001, Kyle graduated with Class 233 from the 24-week Basic Underwater Demolition/Sea, Air, Land (SEAL) training (BUD/S) at NAB Coronado, California.

August 2001: Completion of SEAL Qualification Training

In August 2001, Kyle completed SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) at NAB Coronado.

August 2006: Kyle Awarded Silver Star

In August 2006, Christopher Scott Kyle was awarded the Silver Star for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Lead Sniper during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

September 29, 2006: Michael A. Monsoor's Actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom

On September 29, 2006, Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor performed the actions for which he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

October 12, 2006: Alleged Altercation at McP's Bar

On October 12, 2006, Kyle allegedly punched a man he refers to as "Scruff Face" at McP's bar in Coronado, California, during a wake for Michael A. Monsoor, a U.S. Navy SEAL.

April 8, 2008: Posthumous Medal of Honor for Michael A. Monsoor

On April 8, 2008, Petty Officer Michael A. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on September 29, 2006.

2008: Brother's Military Service

From 2000 to 2008, Chris' brother Jeff served two tours in Iraq with the Marines, attaining the rank of Sergeant. 2008 was the last year of his service.

2009: Alleged Gas Station Shooting

In 2009, Kyle claimed to have killed two men at a Dallas-area gas station in January who attempted to rob him. He alleged he shot them both in the chest and was released by police after providing a contact number.

2009: Departure from Navy and Move to Midlothian

In 2009, Kyle left the U.S. Navy and moved to Midlothian, Texas, with his wife and children.

2009: Honorable Discharge and New Life

In 2009, Kyle was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy.

2009: Initial Medal Count on Discharge Form

In 2009, Kyle's Navy personnel form stated he received two Silver Star and six Bronze Star medals with "V" devices.

January 4, 2012: Appearance on Opie and Anthony

On January 4, 2012, Kyle appeared on Opie and Anthony to discuss his book, alleging that the character "Scruff" in his book is former Governor of Minnesota Jesse Ventura.

January 2012: Ventura Files Lawsuit

In January 2012, Jesse Ventura filed a lawsuit against Kyle for charges of defamation, appropriation, and unjust enrichment.

August 13, 2012: Appearance on Stars Earn Stripes

On August 13, 2012, Chris Kyle appeared on the reality television show "Stars Earn Stripes", where he was teamed with actor Dean Cain to train in weapons and combat tactics.

2012: Release of Autobiography

In 2012, HarperCollins released Kyle's autobiography, "American Sniper".

2012: Publication of American Sniper

In 2012, Kyle published his bestselling autobiography, "American Sniper".

February 2, 2013: Death of Chris Kyle

On February 2, 2013, Chris Kyle was murdered by Eddie Ray Routh at a shooting range near Chalk Mountain, Texas. He was a United States Navy SEAL sniper.

February 12, 2013: Chris Kyle's Burial

On February 12, 2013, Chris Kyle was buried at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, after a procession from Midlothian. Hundreds of people lined the Interstate 35 to pay their final respects.

August 2013: Signing of the "Chris Kyle Bill"

In August 2013, Texas governor Rick Perry signed Senate Bill 162, also known as the "Chris Kyle Bill", which recognizes military training in the issuance of occupational licenses. Kyle's widow Taya attended the ceremony.

2013: Murder of Chris Kyle

In 2013, Kyle was murdered by Eddie Ray Routh at the Rough Creek Lodge shooting range near Chalk Mountain, Texas.

2013: Hurricane Katrina Sniper Claims

In 2013, The New Yorker reported Kyle's claim of driving to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and shooting armed civilians from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

May 5, 2014: Initial Trial Date for Eddie Ray Routh

The trial for Eddie Ray Routh, who murdered Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield, was initially set to begin on May 5, 2014, but was delayed.

July 29, 2014: Jury Verdict in Ventura Lawsuit

On July 29, 2014, the jury returned a recommendation of 8 to 2 that Kyle was liable to Ventura for defamation and unjust enrichment. The jury concluded that the Kyle estate owed Ventura $500,000 for defamation, and $1.34 million for unjust enrichment.

2014: Release of "American Sniper" Film

In 2014, Clint Eastwood's film "American Sniper" was released. This film is based on Chris Kyle's autobiography and stars Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle and Sienna Miller as his wife, Taya Kyle.

2014: Release of American Sniper film adaptation

In 2014, a film adaptation of Kyle's book "American Sniper", directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper, was posthumously released.

February 2, 2015: Chris Kyle Day Declared

On February 2, 2015, exactly two years after Chris Kyle's murder, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared the day as "Chris Kyle Day" in the state of Texas.

February 11, 2015: Start of Routh's Trial

On February 11, 2015, the trial of Eddie Ray Routh, the man accused of murdering Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield, began.

February 24, 2015: Routh Found Guilty

On February 24, 2015, Eddie Ray Routh was found guilty of murdering Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

May 20, 2015: HB 1187 Passes

On May 20, 2015, House Bill (HB) 1187, also known as the Chris Kyle Memorial Highway Bill, successfully passed both the House and Senate in Texas. This bill aimed to name a section of highway after Chris Kyle.

June 3, 2015: Chris Kyle Memorial Highway Bill Signed into Law

On June 3, 2015, the Chris Kyle Memorial Highway Bill was officially signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in Dallas, Texas. This action formalized the dedication of a section of highway in memory of Chris Kyle.

September 1, 2015: Chris Kyle Memorial Highway Law Becomes Official

On September 1, 2015, the law designating a section of highway as the Chris Kyle Memorial Highway officially went into effect, marking the formal recognition in Texas.

February 16, 2016: Unveiling of Highway 287 Signs

On February 16, 2016, signs were unveiled for the 11-mile stretch of Highway 287 through Midlothian, Texas, officially designating it as part of the Chris Kyle Memorial Highway.

June 14, 2016: Navy Revises Chris Kyle's Awards

On June 14, 2016, the Navy revised Chris Kyle's list of awards, updating the recognition of his service and achievements.

June 2016: Appeals Court Throws Out Part of Verdict

In June 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit threw out $1.8 million of the verdict due to the revelation of an insurance policy to the jury. The $1.35 million in "unjust enrichment" was overturned and dismissed as being inconsistent with Minnesota law. The $500k defamation suit was remanded back to trial.

July 8, 2016: Correction of DD Form 214

On July 8, 2016, the U.S. Navy corrected Kyle's DD Form 214 regarding decorations listed on his original discharge document. The correction changed the tally from two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars with valor to one Silver Star and four Bronze Stars with valor.

July 28, 2016: Unveiling of Chris Kyle Memorial in Odessa

On July 28, 2016, a privately funded memorial for Chris Kyle was unveiled in Odessa, Texas. The memorial includes a plaza and a bronze statue dedicated to his memory.

2016: Navy Clarifies Medal Count

In 2016, the Navy clarified the number of medals Kyle was awarded during his military service, ultimately stating he received one Silver Star and four Bronze Star medals with "V" devices for valor.