The brave men and women of our armed forces made a commitment to defend their country and if needed to sacrifice their lives. William Kyle Carpenter took his oath as a United States Marine very seriously. He jumped on a live grenade to save the lives of his comrades. Miraculously, Kyle survived the blast and told his amazing story of courage.
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Carpenter earned the rank of Lance Corporal when he was 21. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010.
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During a firefight, a grenade landed near a fellow soldier, and without hesitation, Carpenter threw his body on top of the grenade.
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Using his body as a shield, he saved the lives of his fellow soldiers.
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Carpenter survived, but his body was seriously damaged.
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The bones in his face and skull were shattered, and shrapnel was embedded all over his body.
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Carpenter lost part of his jaw, and one of his lungs collapsed. When he arrived at Camp Bastion, he was labeled P.E.A (patient expired on arrival).
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He was killed by an enemy grenade – but came back. Carpenter underwent forty surgeries over the next two years to repair the damage. He was given a Purple Heart in Recognition of his incredible bravery.
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President Barack Obama presented Carpenter with the Medal of Honor.
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Kyle has now retired from the military and began went to the University of South Carolina to earn his degree in International Studies.
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He now helps others with charitable acts and motivational speaking.
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Take a look at this video
Thank you for your service Kyle. The Few. The Proud. The Marines. Share away, people!