Texas Rep. Introduces Chris Kyle Medal Of Honor Act
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WASHINGTON D.C. (CBSDFW.COM) -- A Texas Congressman has introduced a bill that would authorize and request the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to former Navy Seal Chris Kyle.
Congressman Roger Williams (R-Texas) introduced the bill on Thursday.
"Chris gave the ultimate sacrifice and served his nation with distinction and bravery while saving countless American lives," said Williams. "There is no doubt that this true American hero is worthy of our nation's highest military honor. While the Medal of Honor will not bring back a husband, father, son and a model Texan, we owe Chris Kyle and his family a great deal of gratitude for his relentless devotion to his country."
Kyle served four tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and is credited with the most confirmed kills in U.S. military history.
Kyle was killed on Feb. 2, 2013 alongside friend Chad Littlefield as the two were attempting to help a former soldier suffering from PTSD at a gun range. Eddie Ray Routh was found guilty of murder on Tuesday, as jurors rejected defense arguments that Littlefield was insane and suffered from psychosis.
The 27-year-old Routh received an automatic life sentence without parole.
Since being established in 1863, the Medal of Honor has been awarded 3,507 times. Awarding it posthumously is not unprecedented.
"On a number of occasions, legislation has been offered to waive certain restrictions and to encourage the president to award the Medal of Honor to particular individuals," according to the Congressional Research Service.
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