Chris Kyle was born April 8, 1974, in Odessa, Texas.

Kyle would have turned 45 years old Monday. The former Navy SEAL served four tours in Iraq and was awarded the bronze and silver star for his service. (RELATED: Chris Kyle’s Iraqi Interpreter Just Got His Citizenship. He Has Some Things To Say About Trump’s Immigration Policy)

REMEMBERING A HERO: ‘American Sniper’ Chris Kyle would have celebrated his 45th birthday today. The Navy SEAL was born on this day in 1974. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/WVc2zs5lyp — FOX 10 Phoenix (@FOX10Phoenix) April 8, 2019



While Kyle’s story was known by many in the United States before, his story became even better known on an international level after the debut of the 2014 film “American Sniper,” where Kyle was portrayed by Bradley Cooper in what was one of the best cinematic performances of the 21st century. (RELATED: Taya Kyle Has A Brutal Message For Colin Kaepernick On What Real ‘Sacrifice’ Means)

The Clint Eastwood movie shared Kyle’s story and heroic service for the entire world to see. After his service in the military, Kyle dedicated his life to helping wounded veterans and was slain by one such veteran at a military range in 2013, dying at the age of 38.

While Kyle is no longer with us, his memory, patriotism and service still inspire this country today.

Follow William Davis on Twitter