A Texas congressman is lobbying to award the Medal of Honor to Chris Kyle, whose life and military career were the subject of the book and blockbuster film "American Sniper."

Congressman Roger Williams, R-Texas, on Thursday introduced the Chris Kyle Medal of Honor Act, a bill that would "authorize and request" President Obama to award the nation's highest military honor to the Navy SEAL for acts of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Kyle was fatally shot along with friend Chad Littlefield, 35, at shooting range near Fort Worth two years ago. Eddie Ray Routh, a former Marine and Iraq War vet who had struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder, was convicted of the killings Tuesday.

The trial took place while the Oscar-nominated "American Sniper," the Clint Eastwood-directed film about Kyle's service in Iraq as a celebrated Navy SEAL sniper based on his best-selling book, was tearing up the box office with more than $400 million in ticket sales.

"Chris gave the ultimate sacrifice and served his nation with distinction and bravery while saving countless American lives," Williams said in a statement. "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."

Kyle, who served four tours in Iraq, is credited with the most confirmed kills in U.S. military history.

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.

Share:
In Other News
Load More