Kyle Carpenter is a former United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal who was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, for his extraordinary courage and selflessness during a combat operation in Afghanistan. Carpenter was born on October 17, 1989, in Jackson, Mississippi.
On November 21, 2010, while serving as a machine gunner in the Marine Corps, Carpenter’s squad was attacked by enemy fighters during a mission in the Marjah district of Helmand Province, Afghanistan. During the intense firefight, an enemy grenade landed near Carpenter and a fellow Marine who was positioned on a rooftop.
Without hesitation, Carpenter made the split-second decision to shield his comrade from the blast. He intentionally covered the grenade with his own body, absorbing the majority of the explosion’s impact. His act of heroism undoubtedly saved the life of his fellow Marine, although it came at great personal cost.
The blast resulted in catastrophic injuries to Carpenter, including the loss of his right eye, a collapsed lung, multiple facial fractures, and the loss of a significant portion of his jaw. Despite his grievous wounds, Carpenter displayed unwavering determination and resilience. He was immediately evacuated and underwent extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Carpenter’s indomitable spirit and dedication to recovery enabled him to defy the odds and make a remarkable comeback. He underwent numerous surgeries and intensive physical therapy, showing incredible perseverance and inspiring countless others with his strength and resilience.
For his exceptional bravery and selflessness, Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in a White House ceremony on June 19, 2014. Carpenter’s actions epitomize the selfless sacrifice and unwavering devotion to duty that are the hallmarks of the Marine Corps. He serves as a shining example of valor and inspires all who hear his story.
Medal of Honor Citation
The president of the United States, in the name of the congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Lance Corporal William “Kyle” Carpenter, United States Marine Corps, For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an Automatic Rifleman with Company F, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division (Forward), 1 Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), in Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 21 November 2010. Lance Corporal Carpenter was a member of a platoon-sized coalition force, comprised of two reinforced Marine squads partnered with an Afghan National Army squad. The platoon had established Patrol Base Dakota two days earlier in a small village in the Marjah District in order to disrupt enemy activity and provide security for the local Afghan population. Lance Corporal Carpenter and a fellow Marine were manning a rooftop security position on the perimeter of Patrol Base Dakota when the enemy initiated a daylight attack with hand grenades, one of which landed inside their sandbagged position. Without hesitation, and with complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Carpenter moved toward the grenade in an attempt to shield his fellow Marine from the deadly blast. When the grenade detonated, his body absorbed the brunt of the blast, severely wounding him, but saving the life of his fellow Marine. By his undaunted courage, bold fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of almost certain death, Lance Corporal Carpenter reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.