Letters: A Hero's Journey to the Medal of Honor

Get to know the Corps' next Medal of Honor recipient.
Cpl. Kyle Carpenter relives his journey to the Medal of Honor through letters to his mother. From recruit training to a phone call from the president, Carpenter talks about his recovery after being wounded in Afghanistan and the strength he's drawn from his family.
Have questions for Kyle?
He'll answer your questions Monday, June 16 from 3 to 4 p.m. for a live Q&A on Facebook. Or, follow our Instagram page @marines and send him a video question with #AskKyle

[@justicewillprevail1106]

His parents must be so proud of him. They raised him right. He’s humble, gracious and kind. A true hero.

[@jattworld1984]

WEAR THOSE SCARS PROUDLY SIR . NATION SALUTES YOU !

[@vambokennel3213]

wot a thicko

[@jepp0711]

Shooter_cali01 - That is the most amazing statement I have ever read in comments. I completely agree with you that our nation salutes Cpl. Carpenter.

[@zachz699]

@@jepp0711 This blind acceptance and pride is a fucking mental illness. We are wasting lives and time over there we didn't do SHIT

[@eduardomacias2611]

I dont salute him he is no hero féel bad for what happen what he is going thru but his on salary and he did his job

[@zackleath7131]

@@eduardomacias2611 disrespectful piece of shit

[@AnthonyD1986]

Absolute bad ass. You can tell he's the kind of guy you'd want watching your back. Very humble guy who put it all on the line. Wish him the best.

[@vickimingus9281]

Semper Fi

[@jeremywhitfield4556]

Really pisses me off when videos about people shopping, vlogging and playing video games gets more views and likes than a video about a hero who actually puts his life on the line to protect us.

[@pauld4355]

You're worried about the wrong things

[@TheRadAustin74]

Exactly, and some dicks decide to just give the damn video a thumbs down. Why the hell would they do that?

[@Kanamit.]

Ignorant, uneducated and maybe jealous. A person who would never put their own life on the line for anything. Those are the tonks who give a thumbs down.

[@beaverknight2479]

you mean, an online website, used primarily for entertainment purposes receives more likes for entertainment? who woulda thunk it.

[@lukStSerb]

_.."to protect us"?_ LoL.. 1. kzbin.info/www/bejne/foGafWuYrJqEfJY 2. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inSWpXyEnLyZh6c 3...

[@davidcarrero7848]

Everybody take a good look at what a real Marine looks like.

[@vambokennel3213]

thuked

[@rthomas821]

What a real man looks like! True hero!

[@SkollGamesGames]

Hoorah

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

Kyle, so proud you. I'm an old 62 yr old Marine Sgt from the 70s (1973-1977). Thank you for protecting our Great Nation and GOD will bless you. Chesty would be proud too. Semper Fi.

[@herberthaws1089]

My Gentle Pitt Bull

[@pldyer69muzic]

My Gentle Pitt Bull. Thank You For Your Service.

[@er1073]

I too want to honor Kyle Carpenter as a retired GySgt 73-93. Semper Fi Brother

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

@@pldyer69muzic your welcome, it was an honor to serve. I'd do it all over again.

[@billy19461]

My Gentle Pitt Bull thank you for your service!

[@renilpulley9479]

Who thinks that they should name a ship after him?

[@Trevorl-fo7vr]

Renil Pulley call it the USS Kyle Carpenter. Make it an amphibious assault ship. Loaded with marines.

[@christydowns783]

I think the USS Honor has a nice ring to it, for all the MOH recipients both past and future

[@aaronrosman7556]

After he dies he will get a ship or other building in his honor. Never while alive .

[@av8tore71]

More the likely someone will have to be killed in action like LT Michael Murphy who was a Navy Seal. He was killed with 2 other Seals with only 1 that survived. There is a ship named USS Michael Murphy DDG-112 you can read about it in the link I provided en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Michael_Murphy

[@KT2585]

Woody Williams has a ship and hes hasnt passed yet.

[@larrydavis5630]

I am a disabled older veteran and I would love to tell Kyle that he is my personal superhero! You put fellow soldiers safely above your own. Their is NO greater sacrifice! I salute you!

[@larryjohnstone9632]

I was US Army 1961-67 but one does not need to be in the Marine Corp to love our Marines. God Bless you and so glad we have men like you serving this country.

[@edwardhart8449]

Every Marine is proud of you. Semper Fi. I also served with 2nd Battalion 9th Marines in Vietnam.

[@richardcranium3403]

I love this guy. "I'm just at college, I'm just a normal College student." sorry my friend, I must disagree. you sir, are god damn legend.

[@lindaroper2654]

Please don't take my Lord's name in vain.

[@richardcranium3403]

@@lindaroper2654 I'll give it some thought moving forwards. Thanks for asking politely ✌

[@azgunguy4870]

I’m teary eyed at 7am. God bless Kyle Carpenter and his actions.

[@johndublyoo8675]

As a 71yr old ex serviceman, I watched this brave young man's story through very wet eyes and can honestly say that if he were my son, I would be a very proud father indeed. Respect and heartfelt best wishes to you young man ❤

[@csm2455]

The pride on his mothers face is really something.

[@armandogonzales9304]

Those people who give a "thumbs down" makes me sick.....

[@dannycoker6439]

Armando Gonzales Pay them losers no mind Armando!! What that brave young marine did show’s his determination to save his men-I personally will never forget what he did to earn this award 🥇 MOA-TU Kyle...

[@abdulrahman6911]

In some countries thumb down is a sign of agreement. Be positive guys...

[@jhjs666333]

There will always be trolls. Nothing to take personally. They do it just because

[@TheNuggzt3r]

They are not interested and by giving a thumbs down KZbin won't recommend videos like these to them anymore...

[@frankiefernandez5252]

Traitors give thumbs down

[@benchang1022]

There is no greater love when one lays his life down for another. You are an inspiration for us all.

[@Wildcat5181]

"There is no greater love than this. That a man lay down his life for his fellow man."

[@marqueonmauldin9095]

Who’s cutting onions in here

[@mnicrashSoren]

The sacrifice these young men make none of us will ever understand..... thank you so much for your service we appreciate you

[@jamesfinlay7836]

Im ex British Army, served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Work and fought along side US Marines several times. Great soldiers and people, nothing but respect to Cpl. Kyle Carpenter and the US Marine Core.

[@clistonmott8150]

It's just Marines brother. We dont call our beloved Marines soldiers, its disrespectful. I would know this because my dad is one. Thank you for your service and for recognizing my heroes. You may not be a US service member but it doesnt matter you fought for freedom as a whole and that makes you one of those heroes.

[@williampickenheim996]

​@clistonmott8150 bro you didnt even serve. Hes not american so he wouldnt know. Shut up. Youre making yourself look like a tool

[@randomtube5268]

Never leave a brother behind

[@larrycarr6545]

Kyle, I have watched your awards ceremony with the President, and with the Marine Corp in Wash DC. I cried every time. Thank you young man. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU,

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

Nothing wrong with crying, it takes a man to cry.

[@Anthony-ot8vl]

I've seen him on Letterman. It's good to see his family and show how it affects loved ones. Thank you for raising a great man and thank the Corp for making him a Marine.

[@anthonymiller4550]

Tony & Susan here, We love your mom , Semper Fi brother. Thank you for getting thru all of the shit. 2/10

[@paulsuprono7225]

Moms . . . are like gold, there's nothing, more valuable !

[@ryan1385]

There is no higher love then the love a mother has for her child ❤️ great story what a hero this young man is, I’m so happy you survived mate. Much love from Australia ❤️🇦🇺🇺🇸❤️

[@walterneville2625]

Those that volunteer, and go into Battle for the United States are the very finest people in this Nation. God Bless all that Serve

[@184876ela]

THANK YOU CPL CARPENTER FOR YOUR COURAGE AND SACRIFICE . YOU A TRUE MARINE HERO . SEMPER FI SIR

[@bluetunder40]

You mom is outstanding .God Bless you guys And thank you for service

[@einvolkeinreicheineuro7462]

Yeah, thank you for murdering people all around the world. God bless america.

[@bennettvanpatton8185]

Lars Stecken there is a time for war and a time for peace...

[@nickrusso1869]

Ein Volk Ein Reich Ein Euro stfu disrespectful piece of shit

[@usaf1804]

Ein Volk Ein Reich Ein Euro drop from the face of the earth you liberal commie fecal matter!

[@edwarddesouter724]

We are all proud of you! Thank you for your service!

[@Robertodelgadorocks]

I cried. Thank you for your service

[@kawaykla]

Just want to say thank you for all the men and women who keep me and my family safe

[@strykerist]

Semper Fi Marine!!!! You inspire the hell out of me!!! SSgt/USMC ‘86-‘98

[@jha8697]

This made me cry, and Im proud that there are people like Kyle who will risk his life for his brothers in arms. And most of all for all of us who are not there with him in theater. I will do my best to support you guys as a civilian contractor enabeling you to get home safely.

[@muzikizfun]

The true measure of a man (or woman) is when they react without thinking, the instinct for the heroic action of Kyle and others like him come from who they are. I'm sure Kyle didn't think 1st "gee if I jump on this grenade they'll call me a hero!" No his core values kicked in and he just reacted.

[@usmc-veteran73-77]

Steve, so true.

[@tilawildson]

Thank you so much for your service. Word's cannot describe my gratitude. I enlisted in the Marine Corps as well and I can't wait to be able to join your ranks as a United States Marine. I've heard many infantry guy's say something to the extent of "I'm not a hero, I'm just a Marine" and I'm sure you sometimes feel like just a man, a Marine doing his job, but know to people like myself, you are a hero. Period. Selfless people like yourself give me hope and inspiration. Again, thank you for your service. America owes you and so many others a debt that will never be paid back, but know that one day your actions will be honored in a place with much more to offer than this world does. Semper Fi.

[@parkerbranaa5718]

tilawildson well said. I was going to say the same thing, I want to be in the military too.

[@wendyweinheimer8687]

He is truly inspiring. He is a hero to many. Semper Fidelis beautiful Marine 🦅🌎⚓!!!

[@wallrusmoose2111]

The greatest act of love is when a person risks his life for another. Welcome home. God bless you and your family. God bless America. Semper Fi.

[@jhonnye.mendez.c6412]

I am from Venezuela and you really are a hero greetings friend

[@alvarezga]

Ooh Rah to all the Marine Moms!

[@Marinemom75]

Oct 7 2019 is the day that my 18yr old son ships out for Paris island. I can barely stand the thought of him going. But it is his dream and I am really proud of him and I'm really scared as well. If any of you pray please keep all the military moms out there. My son's dream is to defend a country that he loves! Good bless all the young people who share that dream and I pray for them and their families! We are the LAND of the FREE because of the BRAVE.

[@Mr.Unclean534]

In a time when all most kids seem to think about is how they're going to get rich or be a video gamer or whatever it takes a very good person to decide, "I'm not worried about getting rich and I don't want to sit around and get famous by playing video games. I'm going to wear the globe and anchor and take up the mantle of US Marine and do something for my country instead of asking what my country can do for me or sitting around on a couch pretending to be something." That alone is something, but to go down to the recruiter and sign up is truly something. Good luck to you and your son, and God bless. Same to all the other military members and their families, past and present, and to those who aspire to take their place amongst those who serve this great nation day and night, any time they are needed and any place they are needed and the families of those people who will someday be part of that same community. You are all in my prayers, and I am sure many others are praying for you as well.

[@omarelorza2201]

This Marine is the best part of being a Marine! Always having your brothers back, great video.

[@elisabethschweitzer817]

Für Kyle alles Glück der Welt.Wie schön das seine Familie ihn mit soviel Liebe betreut hat.

[@matthewpritchett6584]

Kyle, you get my respect

[@MsLopez-fu8xv]

Thank you, Kyle Carpenter and thank you, MOM Carpenter, for the amazing way you have let us into your world. As a MOM myself I'm always on guard duty near my phone and on the lookout. Your bravery gives me a little peace. We will all go on and life will be okay. Praying for your success at school and in life.

[@evacpanther7583]

I rarely like a video, but a video like this truly deserves it.

[@damoiclarke8932]

Salute he fight for his country and he going to live longer

[@NolaGB]

As a Marine Mom and Marine Grandmother, this was a very touching video. My son spent time "in the sand" and I was sending packages to our Marines for about 3 yrs and felt so honored to do so. I know that what I say has little weight, Cpl. Kyle and I know time has passed even though I'm just seeing this video, but please know that this old Marine Mom thanks you SO very, very much for all you have done and will keep you in her thoughts, even though you don't know me. Big, big hugs from one Marine Mom to yours.

[@francerichard801]

God bless you!!!!! Your my new hero dear!!!! I’m so happy you made it back to your family!!!!!!!!

[@hwhitley93]

Mom worked with his aunt heard he got injured way before this is crazy glad he’s doing good have the most respect from me thank you

[@joebates789]

Kyle- The great legacy of our Corps rides proudly on the shoulders of warriors such as yourself. That, in itself, brings honor and tribute not only to you, but to those that instilled the values you hold; not just the DI's, but earlier, to your parents, mentors, teachers and friends. Add to that the tremendous character, power and spirit you have demonstrated through today is remarkable and inspiring. I will likely never have the opportunity to meet you, share a beer and tell tales. From afar, all I can do is say thanks, Semper Fi and ask that you share my thanks with your family for all they have done. Great job by them too!

[@musedonna]

It's surreal seeing his Psalms 144 tattoo. My son, a Corporal in the Marine Corps, has the same verse tatted on him. I'm grateful that God has protected our Marines - and to the Marines who've fallen in battle, they can now stand with King David, the author of that beautiful Psalm. God bless us all. Amen

[@UnderFunded_inc]

musedonna their training, bravery, and courage has kept them safe. Not GOD. You are a coward for trying to take that away from your own son. Shame on you.

[@Ls1fastguy]

UnderFunded inc. awe did you get it all out of your system? Do you feel better now?

[@bonnie3232]

Yes, I am thankful to God my son came home. God Bless the loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

[@lordlogbert9602]

@@UnderFunded_inc I understand where you are coming from, but that's uncalled for.

[@DukeNukenum]

@@UnderFunded_inc Sounds like her son disagrees.

[@KT_survival]

Dear Sir, there are no words to describe my feelings and thoughts about you and what you've done. Hero, superman, brother, man of honor... simply a Marine! Thank you for your service Kyle.

[@millaalexandrovna9481]

Semper Fidelis Cpl. Carpenter. We Marines are an elite band, you have honoured us all with your actions. You Cpl., are not just one of the few and proud Marines, you are now in the same ranks as our greatest legends! You are now one the elite of the elite. Perhaps one day I might have the honour and privilege of saluting you.

[@jeffkarabinchak6329]

This is Cpl Czech, 1/7! 86-91, 1st Gilf war!! Great job MARINE!! God bless you brother!!

[@dickfitswell3437]

I made that exact same call from USMC Bootcamp. THE Marines will speak his name with reverence for eternity

[@MsStrati]

I really don't cry often, but this had me completely in tears. You Kyle, are the BEST example, what love looks like. You have risked your life, so your brother can live. This is the purest form of love possible. You're my hero Kyle 🙏❤️

[@pamhospodarsky6129]

May God continue to heal your body as He is placing you in our hearts and prayers. Your Mother is beautiful and expresses her love of nation in each of her word.

[@cabincreek1692]

God bless you Kyle. God bless every single Marine who serves and who has served. Thank you for putting your life on the line for me every single day. What more can I say but "Thank you".

[@Sewreal2037]

You are still saving lives😭 Thank you

[@rickyholder7291]

Great to know they still make Marines, that will sacrifice for God, Corp and Country. From one Marine to another God bless you.

[@susannesheffer1848]

you're a great human being. I hope your life is full of joy.

[@ashishshah4407]

I am from India and i have tears in my eyes 😢 woow

[@KevinCummingsFitness]

He’s a real hero. Not athletes or politicians

[@ungarnhun5494]

This brought tears. Thank you so much for showing this. What a mavelous young man who gave so much for Honor, Duty and for us. God Bless.

[@gunarjacobs2549]

Greater love has no one than this: to lay downs one's life for one's friends. Oorah Cpl, and Semper Fidelis. Thank you for all that you gave for your country your Marines and the Marine Corps itself, I wish the best of luck to you in life and may you continue to be the hero that you are.

[@germfreepizzawi1839]

He is a super human, he is a marine, he is a hero. Thank you to all who serve this country, you are the reason we still have this country to be grateful for, you are my heroes. As I am sure many others feel the same way, but for those who have fallen, they will never be forgotten. They are always with us every day, they have given the ultimate sacrifice for this beautiful country, our rights, and our freedom. They are the untold history but not the forgotten. They are Americans.

[@Helo1able]

Kyle's story puts my injuries into perspective. 37 surgeries, injured in the line of duty. I've been through nothing compared to this young man. America's finest he is! God bless him and his family... A true inspiration!

[@zak322]

I’ve watched many videos about and from him,I cry every single time! A true American HERO,GOD BLESS YOU SIR!

[@BeautifulSoul111]

I'm sitting here crying... we are all so proud of our everyday heroes ❤️ 💙 and how they put their lives on the line everyday...Thank you

[@jamespreston510]

THIS IS WHAT A REAL HEROE LOOK LIKE

[@billydow1971]

Your sacrifice will never be unappreciated. Thank you !!

[@dickoldham9760]

God bless you brother... strong tight family.. stay strong... semperfi brother

[@InsideHamptonRoads]

Thank you Marines for your service, for your sacrifice. Cpl. Carpenter's video is very moving, inspirational. We are so very proud and grateful for him. God bless you.

[@johnjohnson8812]

My Marine Corps service time was 1961 - 1966. Like a good Marine, we take of each other as no others. God Bless you, Kyle. Semper Fi!

[@alvindueck8227]

Incredible, isn't it? How one fella can go through all this and STILL remain strong and positive in life.

[@MBayas1]

Semper Fi Brother God bless you and your whole family. You are a hero. God bless all our service men and women Then, now, and forever. Ooooorah Semper Fidelis

[@loliluisperez1192]

Que se recupere pronto

[@beverlydavis3177]

Oh Kyle..what a wonderful tribute! ! You are so deserving! Congratulations!

[@sayalimathkar3205]

I am from Indian bt really proud of him .he is a great man .salute you sir.well done🙏🙏🙂🙂

[@giannimolluso5846]

When I was a Little Boy, I would write letters to my Mother telling her how much I loved her. At age 42 She passed away and it broke my heart. Later on going through Moms belongings I found those letters she kept all those years. Im happy Kyle that you have that special bond with your Mother, Just as I did with mine. It truly will last forever. Thank You for your service. A True Hero and a gift from God. Will always support you.

[@gregporras6004]

Semper fi marine 🇺🇸👏 SALUTE Glad you made it Brother. USN. 👏

[@gggbeatcanelo2985]

Love this man. Love his story

[@toddhopkins2519]

AEKDB Brother!!! So Honored to have you in our Brotherhood and so PROUD to know we both wear the same Badge!

[@77teahupoo]

Kyle you are the best of what are country is about. I am so proud of you and wish you and your family the best.

[@tailhookmd2546]

He might as well wear a cape and have an S on his chest. Incredible!!!

[@cwulfe1]

He did have an S along with a U and an M and a C ! Oooh-rah!

[@davidcarrero7848]

M not an S.

[@flamingogirl965]

Some Heroes don't wear a cape They wear Dog tags!!!!!!

[@briancarrier9299]

Seen alot of videos on this guy and they've all been awesome . This guy absolutely doesn't look 10 feet tall and indestructible but I believe it's just the camera angles they use to make him look like the rest of us. True hero and warrior . Thanks for your service

[@inezzbeadz]

Cpl. Kyle Carpenter, Thankyou for your sacrifice. I will salute the next Military man I see in your honor.🇺🇸

[@mankokennewick5802]

Way to go brother! The biggest miracle is you survived a military hospital.

[@timprescott4634]

Thank you for representing our brothers-in-arms so well! Your mom and dad are REMARKABLE!

[@darlaballard3647]

God bless this marine n all your fellow marines your bravery is not forgotten as my family my brothers father was in the service also years ago n we still today honor Dwight Berrbower as he's is no longer with us not from injury in battle but at home on land he n everything you all do will be remembered god bless n have a merry Christmas n safe safe new year

[@pokketmyrocket]

Thank you Kyle, for everything you have done and continue to do for us and this nation. You are a true hero and an inspiration to us all.

[@RedhairedRambo]

A living Legend.

[@truckerp7294]

I wished I lived a life of honor and service like a marine .

[@cjlarson4553]

Thank you Kyle, you are an inspiration. God Bless our Marines, we are so lucky to have you

[@debferguson7354]

What a awesome hero he is!!! Thank you so much for his service and sacrifice! Send my bunch love for him!!! God bless you Kyle!!!👍👍👏👏🤗🤗😎😎🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸God bless you and your family!

[@gerryd7027]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. You have a wonderful family and you can clearly see their pride in you. Your attitude is humbling your truly a man with heart and benevolence . 👍👍👍

[@Wandrew223]

Congratulations to a true devil dog warrior. Well deserved. Semper Fidelis. WAK - 2nd Battalion, F-Co, Platoon 2002, 1983- Parris Island Alumni,

[@idid1609]

Soldiers? Allcarved up like Chrismas Turkeys,on both sides Poor fukked up, lied to, betrayed fukkers. Again on both sides,trained to butcher each other,to mince meat. The elite of young manhood. How stupid can young ,promissing men be ,start killing each other on comaned. Both sides are telling the poor fukkes,they are heros and are defending their respective contries. Well,one side must be lying.? Well ,guess what ,you stupefied Assholes,both sides are indeed lying. Stupid soldiers.

[@rollersk8reviews881]

Specialist Carbullido (Army), welcome home Brother. Your the best and my hero! 0331 are all my heroes! Good job Marine. Thank you for this video.

[@blacksheepshepherd8904]

@@idid1609 no one cares about your negative opinion fuckhead piss off

[@nickrusso1869]

Id Id stfu you don’t deserve to live in this country

[@TOO_RAW]

@@idid1609 fuck yourself bud. Why dont you actually do something with your life instead of bitching about the military. Better yet did you have a stroke or something? You can barely type a coherent sentence

[@divejumpshooter6947]

Love you brother- We are all with you- We are all there for each other. And God bless your amazing mom and family. Semper Fidelis.

[@nickmaihofer1084]

Calling this man a hero is an absolute understatement. This guy deserves nothing but the best for his sacrifice and willingness to pay the ultimate price. Thank you.

[@patrickwade4536]

"Greater love hath no man than this,that a man lay down his life for his friends" You my friend are a hero! You willingly laid down your life for your brothers,there is no greater love than this! I salute ,you Sir! God bless You and your Family!!!!

[@davidlopez-pr1sk]

First off thanks for protecting my family in your time in the battle field,second bless u in everything u have done and will