Chris Kyle

Christopher Scott "Chris" Kyle (April 8, 1974 – February 2, 2013) was a United States Navy SEAL proclaimed to be the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history, having accumulated 160 confirmed kills out of 255 probable kills. These numbers are based on individual shooter logs, filled out at the end of a mission, and reported to higher command. Confirmed kills must have a witness.

Kyle served four tours in the Iraq War and was awarded several commendations for acts of heroism and meritorious service in combat. He received two Silver Star Medals, five Bronze Star Medals, one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Iraqi insurgents dubbed him the "Devil of Ramadi" and placed a series of ever increasing bounties on his head, purported to have eventually reached the low six figures. He became known by the moniker "Legend" among the general infantry and Marines whom he was tasked to protect. This title initially originated in jest among fellow SEALs following his taking of a sabbatical to train other snipers in Fallujah. He was wounded twice and involved in six IED attacks.

Kyle was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 2009 and wrote a bestselling autobiography, American Sniper, which was published in January 2012. On February 2, 2013, Kyle was shot and killed at a shooting range near Chalk Mountain, Texas, along with friend Chad Littlefield. The man accused of killing them is awaiting trial for murder. A film adaptation of Kyle's autobiography, directed by Clint Eastwood, was released in December 2014.

Chris Kyle
Kyle during a book signing at Camp Pendleton in January 2012
Birth name	Christopher Scott Kyle
Nickname(s)	"Chris", "Shaitan Al-Ramadi", "The Devil of Ramadi", "Legend"
Born	April 8, 1974 Odessa, Texas, U.S.
Died	February 2, 2013 (aged 38) Erath County, Texas, U.S.
Buried at	Texas State Cemetery, Texas, U.S.
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1999–2009
Rank	Chief Petty Officer
Unit	United States Navy SEALs SEAL Team 3, sniper element, Charlie Company (later called Cadillac Company)
Battles/wars	Iraq War Second Battle of Fallujah
Awards	Silver Star Medal (2) Bronze Star Medal (Valor; 5) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (1) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2)
Spouse(s)	Taya Renae Kyle
Relations	Wayne Kenneth Kyle (father) Deby Lynn Mercer (mother) Children: 2
Other work	American Sniper (2012) American Gun (2013)

Honorable Mention

Simo Häyhä

While not American, Simo deserves honorable mention on this list.  Simo "Simuna" Häyhä  (December 17, 1905 – April 1, 2002), nicknamed "White Death" by the Red Army, was a Finnish marksman. Using a Finnish version of the Mosin–Nagant in the Winter War, he acquired the highest recorded number, in any major war, of at least 505 confirmed sniper kills.

Simo Häyhä
Häyhä after being awarded the honorary rifle model 28.
Nickname(s)	White Death
Born	December 17, 1905 Rautjärvi, Viipuri Province, Grand Duchy of Finland
Died	April 1, 2002 (aged 96) Hamina, Finland
Allegiance	Finland
Years of service	1925–1940
Rank	Alikersantti (Corporal) during the Winter War, promoted to Vänrikki (Second Lieutenant) shortly afterward
Unit	Infantry Regiment 34
Battles/wars	Winter War
Awards	Cross of Liberty, 3rd class and 4th class; Medal of Liberty, 1st class and 2nd class; Cross of Kollaa Battle