Texas Republican Rep. Roger Williams is lobbying for a Medal of Honor to be awarded to "American Sniper" writer and sharpshooter Chris Kyle.
The lawmaker Thursday introduced a bill to "authorize and request" President Barack Obama to bestow the nation's highest military honor on the late Navy SEAL for saving "countless American lives" during four tours of duty in Iraq.
Kyle
— credited with being the deadliest sniper in American history, and whose memoir was made into the blockbuster movie "American Sniper"
— was killed two years ago at a Texas gun range by a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Former Marine Eddie Ray Routh was convicted this week of the slaying and sentenced to life in prison.
"Chris gave the ultimate sacrifice and served his nation with distinction and bravery while saving countless American lives," Williams said in a statement,
the Military Times reports.
"There is no doubt that this true American hero is worthy of our nation's highest military honor. While the Medal of Honor will not bring back a husband, father, son and a model Texan, we owe Chris Kyle and his family a great deal of gratitude for his relentless devotion to his country."
The Medal of Honor is presented by the president in the name of Congress. There have been almost 3,500 recipients of the Medal of Honor since it was first awarded to Private Jacob Parrott in 1863 for heroism during the Civil War, Military Times reports.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.