Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell
Operation Red Wing- later to be memorialized in the action film Lone Survivor– involved Marcus and SEAL Team 10. Their mission was to kill or capture a high ranking Taliban leader. After accidentally being discovered while conducting reconnaissance by goat farmers, they decided to release them based on the Rules of Engagement knowing too well that they would lead the Taliban directly to their position. After an intense firefight ensued, all the SEALs but Marcus were killed.
A Chinook helicopter filled with more SEALs and Special Operations soldiers was sent to rescue the men but was shot down by an RPG, all men on board were killed. Seriously wounded but not critically, Marcus crawled his way down the mountain into a village where he was given aid and protection by the Afghan tribe living there. Marcus was the only survivor of the incident and was rescued 6 days later by American forces. Luttrell’s team leader Michael P. Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions and the rest of the team, Danny Dietz, Matthew Axelson and Marcus, were all awarded the Navy Cross
Marcus Luttrell
Navy SEAL Chris Kyle
Nicknamed the “Devil of Ramadi” by his enemies and the “Legend” by his men, Chris will remain one of the most prolific snipers in history. He liberated a group of stranded Marines from a ruined house in Fallujah, alone. He then dragged a casualty down an alleyway more than 50 yards while being chased by insurgents and returning fire. Among his plethora of awards and medals, Chris always stuck to his biggest regret, not saving more men.
While deployed on several engagements he was awarded multiple Silver Stars, had 160 confirmed kills, 32 sniper overwatch missions, and returned to his family to live out his life as a father. He wrote a best selling book who’s proceeds went to help struggling veterans and devoted his free time to helping injured and other veterans cope with civilian life. Sadly, while out at the range with a friend helping another veteran Marine, Chris and his friend were killed by the Marine they were helping who suffered from mental illness.
He was the greatest American Sniper in history; many mothers and fathers, sisters, brothers and friends were gifted with the return of their soldier sons because of Chris and the man he was.
RIP Legend
Chris Kyle
