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Chris Kyle

Chris Kyle was an American Navy SEAL sniper and author, best known for his autobiography *American Sniper* and for serving four deployments in Iraq.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chris Kyle was an American Navy SEAL sniper and author, best known for his autobiography *American Sniper* and for serving four deployments in Iraq. He was born in Odessa, Texas, on April 8, 1974, and was killed on February 2, 2013, at a shooting range in Texas.

Early life

Chris Kyle was born in Odessa, Texas, and grew up in a family connected to ranch life and hunting. He attended Midlothian High School and later studied at Tarleton State University before enlisting in the Navy.

Military career

Kyle joined the Navy in 1999 and later served as a Navy SEAL sniper. He completed four combat deployments to Iraq and became widely known for his marksmanship and combat record.

American Sniper

Kyle published his autobiography *American Sniper* in 2012. The book became a bestseller and was later adapted into a major Hollywood film directed by Clint Eastwood.

Death and legacy

Kyle was shot and killed on February 2, 2013, at a shooting range in Texas. His death drew major public attention, and he remains a prominent figure in discussions of U.S. military snipers and post-service veterans' advocacy.

Key facts

  • Chris Kyle was a U.S. Navy SEAL sniper who served four deployments in Iraq.
  • He wrote the bestselling autobiography *American Sniper*, later adapted into a 2014 film.
  • Public sources commonly state he had 160 confirmed kills, though accounts vary.
  • He was murdered in 2013 at a Texas gun range along with Chad Littlefield.
  • Kyle received military awards including the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medals with valor devices.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Chris Kyle?
Chris Kyle was an American Navy SEAL sniper and author best known for *American Sniper* and his Iraq War service.
Where was Chris Kyle born?
He was born in Odessa, Texas, on April 8, 1974.
How many deployments did Chris Kyle serve in Iraq?
He served four deployments to Iraq.
What is Chris Kyle best known for?
He is best known for being a Navy SEAL sniper and for writing *American Sniper*.
How did Chris Kyle die?
He was shot and killed at a Texas shooting range on February 2, 2013.
Was Chris Kyle’s story made into a film?
Yes. *American Sniper* was adapted into a 2014 film directed by Clint Eastwood.

References

  1. Biography.comhttps://www.biography.com/military-figures/chris-kyle
    Supports: Birth details, Navy SEAL service, deployments, authorship, and death
  2. EBSCOhttps://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/chris-kyle
    Supports: Biographical overview, birth date, upbringing, Navy enlistment, and Iraq service
  3. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairshttps://www.va.gov/
    Supports: Background on Kyle’s military service, education, and death
  4. Texas State Historical Associationhttps://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/kyle-christopher-scott
    Supports: Birth information and biographical context
  5. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm4881574/bio/
    Supports: Birth and death details, marriage, and authorship/producer credits
  6. Historyhttps://www.history.com/articles/the-real-life-story-behind-american-sniper
    Supports: Military reputation and the significance of *American Sniper*