“There is no doubt that this true American hero is worthy of our nation’s highest military honor,” said Republican Roger Williams.
Typically there is a long Pentagon investigation that precedes granting the nation’s top military medal, but legislation has been offered in the past to bypass the process.
Kyle, credited with the most kills ever by an American soldier, was himself killed, along with a friend, by another veteran they were entertaining at a shooting range in 2013. That former marine was convicted of murder this week.
From Williams’ office:
Roger Williams Introduces Chris Kyle Medal of Honor Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Roger Williams (R-Texas) today introduced the Chris Kyle Medal of Honor Act, a bill that would authorize and request the president to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Navy Seal Christopher Scott Kyle for acts of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“Chris gave the ultimate sacrifice and served his nation with distinction and bravery while saving countless American lives,” said Williams. “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. He was murdered on February 2, 2013.
Since it was first presented in 1863, the Medal of Honor has been awarded 3,507 times.
According to the Congressional Research Service, “On a number of occasions, legislation has been offered to waive certain restrictions and to encourage the president to award the Medal of Honor to particular individuals.”
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at
[email protected].
