BRITISH FAMILY REACTS! Medal of Honor Recipient, Cpl. Kyle Carpenter | David Letterman

[@patriciaabatemarco3834]

Corp. Carpenter lost his R eye after the attack. His first prosthetic eye was a surprise and they made it black with a purple heart where the pupil should have been. Which is pretty epic.

[@AngloCelt88]

America!

[@george217]

One of my commanding officers lost his left eye in Vietnam. He had a glass one with a skull and crossbones on it that he used to put in when he was conducting Article 15 procedures. ☠️

[@sealteamtwix]

​@@george217thats raw as fuck

[@reverentreverent6775]

Cpl*

[@EatDatBitchAwp]

Pretty fuckin sick💯

[@usmc24thmeu36]

I joined the marines at 17years old when I was barely 18 I was in combat in beirut, Lebanon. And I am still in the marines 41yrs later.

[@teecop4735]

Thank you ❤!

[@nancyankrom3803]

Thank you for your service.

[@kyloren1014]

Thank you for your service

[@shag139]

Were you there at the Barrick’s bombing? Just curious.

[@rhoetusochten4211]

A salute to you.

[@themedicalmystery4797]

My son served with Kyle Carpenter and I still have a picture in my phone of the.m together at the ceremony arm in arm!!! He is a really down to earth guy and truly deserved that honor!!

[@ReinBork]

I was at Walter Reed Medical Center with him for a few months, we did physical therapy together sometimes. Super nice and humble guy from what I could tell, feel honored to be able to call him a brother in arms.

[@rexoates4484]

Thank you for your service.

[@Cashcrop54]

That's a Marine. After the battle of Iwo Jima in WWII, Admiral Chester Nimitz of the Navy said of those Marines: "Uncommon valor was a common virtue". That still lives in this Marine.

[@stevenundzid4765]

In 99.9 % of us. Some of us are more fearless That's the job of every Marine. It amazes me of the people that speak out on matters they know little to nothing about This young man Is a Marine in action Hats off Brother! Do or die

[@ContrarianCorner]

For someone whose job it is to be ready to make a joke at a moment's notice, I have to commend Letterman for the level of respect and sincerity he showed this young Cpl. throughout the interview.

[@mortimerbrewster3671]

I wasn't a big fan of Letterman but this is the interview I enjoyed most from him. Very respectful and tactful. There were many times in his career that I never thought he had the ability to be either.

[@quiett6191]

theres a point in the interview were Carpenter mentions that his whole face from under his eyes had to be reconstructed. Letterman tells him "You look wonderful", as he leans back you can see him fighting to keep his emotions in check, he's focusing extra hard on the cards.

[@mtmadigan82]

Aa a Marine It doesnt get cooler than guys like kyle carpenter. Guy literally jumped on a grenade for a brother. He spoke to our unit one time, guys were lined up around the place to just speak with him. We'd rather meet this dude than the pope.

[@danjohnson2986]

It may sound trivial. But the fact that David Letterman both caught AND corrected himself was exceedingly admirable. One doesn’t “win” a Medal of Honor…it is earned and it is received. It really does matter. Those that earn this honor are of such rarity…

[@mikeciboroski3849]

I think it goes without saying that this man is a certified badass

[@mikeb550]

Kyle was a guy in the unit who relived us in Afghanistan, and i met him prior to action, he was just as soft spoken as he is now, he hasnt changed....i met him a few years later at a University of South Carolina football game and he recognized me and we sipped a few drinks and just talked.....he is a great man and an even more beautiful human being

[@downrighttt]

Thank you for your service. I was so little when it all happened and I still can't comprehend the bravery and brass balls you all had over there. God bless

[@Cubs-Fan.10]

He's an amazing human. The 60 Minutes interview with Sal Guinta is another incredibly humble man who was awarded the medal. He too was on Letterman as a follow up video. I still get extremely emotional watching that interview, then you see his softer side with Letterman.

[@vernhoke7730]

Marines like Corporal Carpenter make Marines like me stand a little taller and prouder. I've had the honor of meeting a Medal of Honor recipient back in 1985. His story, like all others, is amazing. Also a Marine I served with his younger brother earned the Medal, posthumously, in Vietnam at the age 19.

[@rexoates4484]

When he jumped on the grenade, he made a conscious decision to sacrifice his own life for his fellow marine. This is the kind of action that is common among American military personnel in wartime. Makes me proud to be an American. God bless our troops.

[@AngloCelt88]

The fact that he can go through something like that and still have the outlook he does is a testament to his parents and family. We need more people like this!

[@gsmeeuwsen]

Thank you for giving him the respect he deserves!!!

[@kosys5338]

I was in my early 20's when I experienced combat for the first time and I can tell ya that combat will make you grow up in a hurry. I was a kid when I went into combat but I wasn't a kid anymore when I came out the other side. Fortunately for me I was able to come out the other side. I lost many friends who didn't get that chance and I can't help but wonder what their lives would be like today if only they got that chance. I still see their faces in the faces of the families they left behind and I still miss them all. We Humans see ourselves as civilized but truth be told our species has a long way to go before we are truly civilized. Man's inhumanity towards man holds no bounds. Thank You Cpl. Carpenter for your sacrifice and service and I'm glad you were able to come out the other side. I'm also sorry for that which you lost.

[@garycamara9955]

I was 19!

[@annpachini2155]

I remember watching a documentary about an aircraft carrier. The Captain was talking about the crew and he laughed and said “remember these men and women are responsible for multi million dollar equipment and yet when the go home on leave their parents won’t trust them to drive the family car.”

[@gregoryhamilton2557]

Such a humble young man. Best wishes for you Kyle.

[@deannharris2424]

A true HERO!

[@frankperry8969]

This Marine is amazing. My prayers, respect to him, and all who serve. People that go into the military are a different brand of people.

[@tearlebuck279]

He happened to be in San Diego my last week of boot camp January 2018. Kyle came on the depot and talked to us for a little bit. He didn't really go into his story but talked about what he gained from the Marine Corps and how it is helping his success now. Really cool guy.

[@Lucas6l5]

I swear Sophie has to be one of the cutest and most beautiful young ladies on planet earth, such an infectious smile and laughter, love the whole family and your values 👏

[@JR-zv6qm]

Diminutive in stature, mild mannered & a true American patriot. Bad-ass. He just reacted when he saw that grenade by trying to block the explosion so his buddy wouldn't be hurt. I'm in awe of Kyle. We love you & are grateful for you. Semper Fi.

[@george217]

As to his age, that's not that unusual. Audie Murphy, arguably the most decorated soldier in US military history, rose through the ranks from private to 1st Lieutenant, was awarded 33 combat decorations including the Medal of Honor all before his 21st birthday...#RIP #RESPECT

[@anthonyfuqua6988]

He was the most decorated Army soldier of WWII but not of the Armed Forces.

[@george217]

@@anthonyfuqua6988OK, I'll bite. Who was?🤦‍♂️

[@anthonyfuqua6988]

@@george217 It depends because some ranks were discontinued. If you"re talking grunt Alvin York but George Washington reached a rank closed off for him and will never be used again. Equivalent to 6 star General. Only in Wartime do we have 5 star Generals.

[@george217]

@@anthonyfuqua6988 You're now talking about rank. Before, it was about combat decorations. They're not interchangeable.

[@george217]

@@anthonyfuqua6988 And as to ranks, I'm aware that Murphy did not make general. John Pershing held the rank of General of the Armies of the United States which conceivably could have been a "Six Star" rank, but he never wore more than four stars. Washington was promoted to the rank posthumously and retroactively so that no one could be said to have been a higher rank.

[@6panzer]

Thank you for reacting to this video. I was with the Marines in Iraq. It was scary. But I had all my Marines around me so I knew they would take care of me, I would take care of them.

[@george217]

Definitely a hero. May God continue to bless him. #Respect

[@CassieJo]

"The Few. The Proud. The Marines." Ain't that the truth! What a good man.

[@erinmalinoski9479]

Such an amazing guy.He’s so incredibly humble as well which is an awesome trait in short supply of these days.

[@TJ-Dives]

VC is a great medal too. I am former US military member and I personally honor the British members of service. Hats off to all. I had the op to be in the same room with EVERY MOH recipient to take photos. Let me say that I will never forget it. The 82nd Air were there singing. What an afternoon. Totally mind blowing. My photo's were given to their society.

[@austinoginski9513]

Kyle wrote a phenomenal book, “You Are Worth It”, with Don Yeager. I think the chapter that got me the most is the one describing his journey home and the stops he made along the way. Gut-wrenching yet it shines a beautiful light on the humanity of those who serve and their families. Kyle reads the audiobook btw, and is phenomenal. If you want a little shorter dose of his story, I think his appearance on Andy Stumpf’s Cleared Hot podcast is probably one of the best.

[@MartinT5600]

I'll definitely check it out.

[@seangelarden9543]

From Indiana and remember when Letterman was the weekend weather man, so proud of the respect he shows

[@g.prince6265]

Kyle ate that grenade and lived,how hard is this dude.🤘

[@toolrammsteindeftones]

😍 Sofie. Sorry, that was my first reaction. I've seen this before, I have immense respect and admiration for this marine. God bless.

[@terryduncan31]

The bond is strong because you are literally looking out for each others lives. I'm still in contact with people I served with in 1985. Can be explained, has to be experienced.

[@mikelesley2803]

He is truly an American hero!

[@d2ndborn]

Kyle is such a soft spoken man. With all he went through he still can smile and willing to help others. Just an amazing man. Thak you for sharing this.

[@johndrews206]

Thank you for this reaction. This really puts everything into perspective

[@havu2236]

This Marine was so humble that he left out the fact that he jumped on top of it to protect the other Marine.

[@xpresident]

All ranks salute Medal of Honor recipients, generals and admirals included

[@RAW2881]

My favorite most accurate military movie ever I think is We Were Soldiers. Outstanding military film!!

[@Jedicake]

I can't even comprehend even jumping on a grenade. It goes against all survival instinct and it takes a truly incredible person, something deep inside, to do that.

[@caretaker158]

Letterman is 6'2 (1.87m). Both my grandfathers were in the Army in WWII, one from before Pearl Harbor, served in the Army Air Corps (which became the US Air Force in 1947), one waited until he was drafted in 1945, my dad was in the Navy, I was Army. I grew up on Navy bases, which have a lot of Marines on them... they are a separate breed of soldier. Not to downplay any of the other branches, but there's just something about the Marines that is different, that is more honor driven, that is more steadfast and devoted... as their motto states, Semper Fidelis "Always Faithful".

[@geraldlynn1827]

Thank you men and women for your service. The sacrifice dedication and bravery you show in the face of unbelievable danger is incredible. Freedom is not free. Many soldiers have given the ultimate sacrifice and live with the pain and sacrifice they have made. I have never been in the service but have the utmost respect for those that have. When you see a service member please stop and thank them. Standing taking your hats off and putting your hand over your heart for the national anthem is a small gesture for the sacrifices they have made. So when LSU refused to come out for the national anthem it was a National disgrace ! May God bless the service of our military members and their families ! ❤🇺🇸❤🇺🇸❤🇺🇸

[@donaldlamendola1392]

As a 15 year Army vet I also have to agree that the Marines have the best looking dress uniform.

[@susansoltys4874]

God bless this hero. God bless all our military. Crying. 🇺🇸🙏🏻

[@rachelginter3616]

I'm so glad to see y'all reacting to this one..

[@theblackbear211]

Thanks for the reaction. It has to be hard for a mother to hear those things.

[@AlejoJuares]

I was in the Marines. Whatever is deeper than a brotherhood is what it’s like.

[@RobertH-ol6mw]

I miss Letterman so much. Great interviewer.

[@loulouknox124]

He has the best smile 😊

[@stevetrevino9421]

first time here seeing family, i like their discussion and reaction.

[@nancyankrom3803]

Book Club, I’m here for it. 👍. Kyles book would be a good one to start with.

[@zorkblat3858]

Absolute legend status.

[@thelawlessloner]

In the US, if you serve and are deployed to another country you qualify for the GI bill which allows you to go to college for free. It's no5 uncommon to see older (25+) vets on college campuses here.

[@mikeb550]

more to it for the post 9/11 but not far off

[@donlove3741]

SEMPER FI ! The best of American manhood !

[@Ziggy-Mau]

Letterman's show was taped in the Ed Sullivan Theatre, the same stage the Beatles played on in 1964 their first trip to the States. On Feb. 9, 1964, The Beatles made their first live U.S. television appearance. More than 70 million Americans gathered around their televisions to watch four young men from Liverpool make history.

[@wordword6039]

Cpl Jason Dunham was awarded the MOH from his actions in Iraq. He also shielded fellow Marines by jumping on a grenade in Iraq near Al Qaim. He unfortunately did not survive. Always very humbling being around these young men and women.

[@kah10161]

There is a US Navy destroyer names for him: USS Jason Dunham, DDG-109.

[@Martini3inc]

Our military has a buddy system that allows up to 4 friends if they enlist on the same day, to be stationed on their first duty together. That’s how they were able to be stationed together.

[@keemarie1]

Wow that’s awesome. My brother is a Marine and I never knew that!

[@chevyDboyMike]

It's not about the size of the dog in the fight, but about the size of the fight in the dog. Tears of the Sun is another good movie.

[@F35_JSF]

See, we go were no one else will. That is the difference. We started here on this land by defending freedom, and that will never change....ever. So buckle up and tighten that belt, because you will be in for a ride. God bless.

[@mikeciboroski3849]

I'm so glad u found this one

[@Allison_Chaynes]

I love this reaction.

[@OcotilloTom]

Remember, "a small man is just a big man wound up tight"! Tom Boyte GySgt. USMC, retired Vietnam 1965-66/1970-71 Bronze Star, Purple Heart

[@jaensf1002]

Cheers from San Francisco! Great Vid! Thank You!

[@richard6080]

I salute you Corporal.

[@lesliedaubert1411]

Such a humble hero. How is he able to hear again?

[@robertseymour2530]

Thank you

[@craigandresen1480]

I love moms reactions.

[@jaziahbryson695]

A lot of the guys serve for different reasons can’t speak for them but I know that we do love and appreciate them and all that they sacrifice our veterans are our pride and joy and I wish we treated them better than we do

[@Curly4ut7]

Awesome young man. Proud of him for his devotion for his fellow comrades. On jeopardy tonight they had a question about a MOH winner. It’s not a contest. You don’t win you receive it. You’re a recipient of our countries highest military honor for bravery. Semper Fi!

[@GT-mq1dx]

I’m ex Navy and though I along with many of my shipmates know our Dress Blues are about the Koolest uniforms ever, we all agree, Marine Dress Blues look even better. 😉😎

[@DarthRaider520]

Our hero. Never fucking forget that.

[@greeneyesinfl9954]

Semper Fidelis!

[@MarvRoberts]

Walter Reed Medical Center is filled with absolute angels. The staff, consistently, goes above and beyond the call of duty for those wounded soldiers.

[@Uatu-the-Watcher]

Thank you for watching this in your deep dive into American culture.

[@NoneYaBidness762]

I turned 21 in Iraq. During the first sandbox dust up.. We were just kids, really.

[@djbeezy]

There is a Soldier that did the same thing CPL Carpenter did but unfortunately he didn't survive. But I watched his funeral and the Chaplains words have never been lost on me. He said "as his body was being torn to shreds his name was written in history." I have had the absolute pleasure to meet CPL Carpenter and, as a Soldier he was very polite to other service men, but you could tell he wanted to be around his Marines.

[@mrredwhite1244]

Nice reaction 👍

[@WindyBritches]

19:41 it’s not just doing things together, though, that is a part of it. The reality is going through absolute misery together. That’s what breeds that unbreakable bond. There is no replacement for it.

[@1bobharvey]

The biggest shell shock of getting out of the marine corp was the entire lack of brotherhood the rest of society thinks is normal. It's honestly sad so few get to experience it.

[@crbr1432000]

I totally agree. I am an A.F. veteran and I haven't experienced that since of bother/ sisterhood since I was discharged many years ago.

[@mortimerbrewster3671]

I know a military man who left after 20+ years and he seems to have friends anywhere he goes in the country. I wouldn't want to have experienced a lot of what military goes through but I envy that bond.

[@1bobharvey]

@@mortimerbrewster3671 if I was to hazard a guess, I bet I have close friends in at least 25 different states and 6 other countries from my time in and other marines I met in college.

[@toddodell2904]

I joined the the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17 in 1986 and retired disabled in 2011.

[@davidmc1489]

17 for me too....started Army Guard then Army back to Guard...started 86' retired 07'

[@Utonian21]

"I'm an overachiever" the fact that he can joke about it afterward just further cements how incredibly strong of an individual he is. Bro is built different

[@Jimboslice938]

Thank you mom

[@singerkgreen]

This interview chokes me up every time. This man is a legend. He's right about the Marines. We have a rich legacy of doing extraordinary things in extraordinary circumstances. He carries the torch of that legacy now and is the face of Marine badassness imo. Great reaction. There's a video that talks with his family and plays the recording of the message left for the parents. Side note, a message from the military on your answering machine means your family member is alive. At least the Marine Corps (idk about the other branches) will send people to your house if your family member didn't make it.

[@colinjames7569]

Remember Love is what binds us ❤Courage is what brings us together. Commit. .never relent 🇺🇸

[@melrest3453]

Sorry I forgot the moms name in the video. But she is obviously a very kind, loving mother. Y’all seem like a great family. Very happy for y’all!

[@billwright9256]

Semper Fi Hero!

[@anthonyfuqua6988]

There was an American soldier who threw hisself on top of a grenade to protect an Afghan Army Soldier. He recieved the Medal of Honor also. Also lived. But in worse shape.

[@williamjackson4469]

When i came back from Vietnam i couldnt drink for another four months

[@unityagar7385]

Around 12:25. Individuals serving in the US military not of civilian drinking age can drink while deployed. Age 17 you can sign up with permission from a parent or guardian, and age 18+ on your own. All individuals on deployment are allowed to drink on base, or while on their own time if deployed in a country with a lower drinking age. Not sure on voting though. Voting age is 18+ in the US, which is why you need the permission of a parent or guardian to join within up to a years time from hitting your 18th bday. You can't drink while at home (within the US), but you can if deployed overseas.

[@gregorywright2798]

When the Marines go to War, they are Fighting for the Man or Women Beside Them. They are not fighting for Their Country. They are giving a Directive and they go out and do that Duty and Fight for Their Brother and Sister Soldier's!!

[@leejshafer]

He is 5 ft 5 inches but the biggest man of his generation

[@stevetrevino9421]

Semper FI to all troops, our allies included

[@donaldriddle230]

I was 17 when i joined the US Air Force. My Dad Also was 17 when he joined the US Army Airborne during the Korean War.

[@averteddisasterbarely2339]

I was going to say... I'm not crying, your crying! But ya, it's me !

[@MrYabber]

When you flat line, you are declared dead. 9 times out of 10 (maybe more) a defibrillator is needed to restart the heart. Just as a little side note of a common misunderstanding… Chest compressions don’t usually restart the heart, a defibrillator does. What those compressions do, is mimic your heart beat to keep blood flowing from your heart, to the rest of your body and most importantly, the brain. Chest compressions have been known to restart the heart though, but it’s kinda rare.

[@limeygaynor]

We all, only a few months ago did a course on first aid, and had to learn all that. Aidan just didn’t know the terminology. We all trained on a defib, and how to save a life.

[@MrYabber]

@@limeygaynor Ah okay, that’s good.

[@armynurseboy]

Minor correction: Defibrillator doesn't "restart the heart". That's Hollywood fantasy. A defibrillator STOPS a fibrillating (quivering) heart to give the natural pacemakers in the heart a chance to re-establish an effective heartbeat. You don't shock asystole (flat line) because its not going to do anything. The heart is alreadystopped. You provide CPR and pump them full of epinephrine. Hopefully that will get the heart to restart.

[@charlescollins117]

I am so lucky to be an American😢

[@jeremyleforce7926]

You should check out Dakota Meyers story. He's also a medal of honor. His story is crazy.

[@maxwiidanen7281]

His books fantastic too

[@michaelofarrell488]

He jumped on grenade to protect his Freind

[@krisschobelock4973]

You aren't "thrown in" -- they all go through "Boot Camp" - long training sessions . . . I would say you can use "thrown in" because you never know until you are being confronted by the enemy - but these men and women sign up for this - and they are our heroes!! We would never take an 18 year old and just say --- go fight! There is extensive training involved! You make it sound so - they taken these kids and throw them in a war! If that were the case - we would never be the strong nation we are are!! This is an American Hero at it's finest who was trained and did what he was trained to do -- wish there were no fatalities or injuries - but it is WAR -- and these are the people that attacked our Country!! God Bless you Cpl Carpenter!! God held you in his arms and brought you through!! ❤🙏

[@jeannettesilva4242]

I AM ARMY AND YOU ARE RIGHT !