William Kyle Carpenter, a Lance Corporal in the US Marines, achieved the rank at the remarkable age of 21. Deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 to serve in the war, he would soon find himself facing a life-altering moment of bravery.

During a fierce battle, Kyle and his fellow Marine were locked in combat when a grenade suddenly landed nearby. Without a moment’s hesitation, Kyle made a split-second decision that would change his life forever.

Acting purely on instinct, Kyle threw himself on top of the grenade to shield his friend from its deadly blast. His selfless act, while undoubtedly heroic, unfortunately came with severe consequences.

The blast caused extensive injuries, as shrapnel ripped through his body. Kyle’s skull and face bones were shattered, and his jaw was partially missing. To make matters worse, one of his lungs collapsed, and he was declared as P.E.A. (patient expired on arrival) upon his return to Camp Bastion.

Yet, Kyle’s courage did not go unnoticed. As a testament to his remarkable sacrifice, he underwent forty surgeries over the next two years, all while continuing his studies at the University of South Carolina. For his incredible act of valor, he was honored with both the Purple Heart and the coveted Medal of Honor by President Obama.

Today, Kyle Carpenter is a genuine American hero, exemplifying bravery in its purest form. His story serves as a reminder of the incredible sacrifices made by our military men and women. To learn more about Kyle’s remarkable journey, watch the inspiring video below.

Throughout history, countless individuals have stepped forward to protect and defend their comrades. William Kyle Carpenter represents the best of these courageous souls. Let his story inspire us all to stand up for what we believe in and to always be there for one another.