How Chris Kyle Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Chris Kyle across different fields.

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

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.