William Kyle Carpenter is the real Captain America. You might have heard his name before, some of you might not have, but there is no doubt that he is a certified American hero.
At the age of 21, Kyle earned the rank of Lance Corporal in the United States Marines. In 2010, he was sent into war in Afghanistan.
During a deadly firefight, a grenade landed near Kyle and a fellow soldier in battle. Without a second thought, Kyle jumped into action.
In a decision that spoke volumes over Kyle’s immeasurable strength of character, his unselfish act would change his life forever. Kyle jumped on the grenade, using his body as a shield in order to save his friend.
He offered up his life in sacrifice so that his fellow Marine might be spared.
He suffered devastating injuries from the explosion. His body was riddled with shrapnel and his bones in his skull and face were shattered. On top of that, Kyle lost part of his jaw, one of his lungs collapsed, and he was declared P.E.A (patient expired on arrival) when he got back to Camp Bastion.
Technically, Kyle was dead but somehow, someway, he survived.
Over the next two long years, Kyle was forced to undergo forty different types of surgeries. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery, as well as becoming a recipient of the prestigious Medal of Honor, bestowed upon him by the President.
Today, Kyle is retired from military service and is working towards getting a degree from the University of South Carolina.
A true American hero. Watch the video below for more on Kyle’s story:
