This is the remarkable story of William Kyle Carpenter, a true American hero.
At the age of 21, Kyle was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. In 2010, he was deployed to Afghanistan, where he would soon face a moment of extraordinary bravery.
During a fierce firefight, a grenade landed dangerously close to Kyle and his fellow Marine. Without hesitation, Kyle made a split-second decision to protect his comrade at any cost.
By instinct, Kyle threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the explosion with his own body to shield his friend from harm.
The selfless act left Kyle with severe injuries. He suffered multiple fractures to his head and face, as well as extensive shrapnel wounds. Part of his jaw was lost, and one lung collapsed. Initially declared deceased upon arrival at Camp Bastion, Kyle miraculously survived.
Over the next two years, Kyle underwent forty surgeries to reconstruct his shattered body. His incredible courage did not go unnoticed, as he was awarded both the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama.
Today, Kyle has retired from the military and is pursuing a degree at the University of South Carolina. His story serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the American hero.