William Kyle is a name you may or may not be familiar with, but there is no disputing that he is a well-known American hero.

Kyle enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 21 and rose to the rank of Lance Corporal. In 2010, he was sent to the Afghan War.

A grenade was dropped nearby as Kyle and another Marine were fighting. Kyle acted without doubt or delay.

It was a split-second choice that spoke eloquently about Kyle’s tenacity, but it would affect his life forever. Kyle pounced on the grenade and used his body as a barrier to protect his companion.

He gave his life as a sacrifice so that his fellow Marines might be saved.

As a result of the subsequent explosion, he received severe injuries. His body was filled with shrapnel, and his skull and face bones were crushed. Kyle also lost a portion of his jaw, one of his lungs collapsed, and he was classified P.E.A. (patient expired on arrival) when he returned to camp.

Kyle was required to have forty separate procedures over the following two years. He was given the Purple Heart for his valor, as well as the renowned Medal of Honor that President Barack Obama bestowed upon him.

Kyle has now retired from the military and is pursuing a degree at the University of South Carolina.