Navy shoots down ‘American Sniper’ Chris Kyle’s overstated claims of medals received

“All told”, Kyle, who is widely referred to as the deadliest sniper in USA military history, wrote in his book, “I would end my career as a SEAL with two Silver Stars and five Bronze [Stars], all for valor”.

In his best-selling book, Kyle wrote he had received two Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars.

Kyle would have played no role in the production of his personnel files other than signing the DD-214 upon his discharge, the Navy said at the time. After investigating the discrepancy, the Navy now says Kyle earned one Silver Star and four Bronze Stars with a “V” device for valor during his 10-year career as a Navy SEAL.

Lt. Jackie Pau, a Navy spokeswoman, said Sunday the investigation didn’t determine how the error happened but stated that errors on the discharge paperwork that lists such awards are not uncommon.

According to the Navy, sometimes clerical or other errors lead to erroneous medal counts on DD214 forms.

Kyle, who has been praised for his heroic service, has also faced scrutiny in the past over questions of accuracy regarding his story.

Doug Sterner, an Army veteran who maintains the database as one of the nation’s foremost experts on military decorations and valor, said the Navy’s review is more evidence that Kyle earned only one Silver Star. “Specifically, the DD 214 did not accurately reflect the decorations and awards to which Kyle was officially entitled”. A Navy spokesman told The Navy Times more than 3,800 forms were corrected in 2015 alone. When Kyle left the Navy in 2009, his separation form – known as DD214 – also said that he had earned the two Silver Stars.

The site “The Intercept” first reported Kyle’s inflated record in May, citing unnamed service members that had tried to wave Kyle off of publishing a book that incorrectly portrayed his medal count.

The U.S. military’s Silver Star (right) and Bronze Star Award are given to American service members for valor and achievements of heroism. “After notifying his family of the error, the Navy issued a corrected copy of the DD214, which accurately reflects Kyle’s years of honorable and extraordinary service”.

This is not the first time Kyle’s word has been questioned. “That is a number I would love to see”, McEwen told the paper.

Kyle’s widow has not commented on the demotion of her late husband’s medal count. I can guarantee it is in the 100s. “We know that he did not get a classified award”, he told the Navy Times.

Kyle, whose story of being the deadliest sniper in US military history was turned into a blockbuster war film, has been the target of speculation for fudging the amount of medals he was awarded in his bestselling book. A detailed review of those records now shows he earned just one Silver Star.

Ventura had sued Kyle’s estate for defamation, asserting the Navy SEAL’s 2006 memoir misrepresented him.