Shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks, Kyle enlisted as a Ground Medic and in March 2003 participated in the initial invasion of Iraq where he spent 6 months bandaging, stitching, casting, and caring for wounded soldiers. Kyle was then deployed to Afghanistan and promoted to Flight Medic participating in dangerous missions to recover the critically wounded by descending from helicopters into bullet-ridden battlefields. In 2005, Kyle assisted a group of Marines ambushed by Improvised Explosive Devises and ground fire, including 4 trapped underneath an overturned vehicle and others who were critically injured. At the request of MEDEVAC, Kyle prepared his aircraft, obtained additional medical help and flew to the ambush site where the battle still raged as his aircraft arrived under heavy enemy fire. Upon landing, Kyle treated 2 Marines awaiting evacuation and then moved to the ambush site 500 meters up the road to render aid to the Marines pinned under the vehicle, made 2 trips into direct fire carrying a large gas-operated extrication saw to assist in extricating the wounded, loaded 2 onto a nearby vehicle for evacuation, and with insufficient room for a 3rd litter “buddy carried” a third Marine behind the vehicle to the waiting aircraft. Kyle’s dedication to duty under fire resulted in the evacuation of 6 critically injured Marines. For his “heroism, selflessness, and calm under pressure” Kyle received the Bronze Star with Valor. After volunteering for an extended Afghanistan deployment, an incoming mortar exploded near him in camp, and the percussion threw him across a tent resulting in whiplash and oxygen depletion to the brain. Despite experiencing difficulties with processing information and memory, Kyle completed his deployment. Upon returning home, Kyle was deemed a 100% Disabled Veteran.