Christina Dogas
Staff Writer
@chrissyyydeee
Over the weekend, the picture of a felon’s mugshot went viral. Yet even as this felon’s name flooded social media, we have to wonder: what about William Kyle Carpenter? He is the young man who risked his life to save his fellow marines by covering an enemy launched grenade with his body in November of 2010.
The young man became the third Mississippian to receive the highest U.S. Military distinction, the Medal of Honor. He was rewarded for valor far beyond and above the call of duty during combat.
He doesn’t have a high recollection of the moments that occurred after the tragic event. He does recall the overwhelming feeling that he was dying. “I don’t think I’d ever thought about what I would do in that situation,” said Carpenter. “I don’t think there is any way to know until you’re faced with it. But I did what I was trained to do, and that is protect my fellow Marines at all costs.”
On Sunday June 22, he threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Padres game. Carpenter currently attends the University of South Carolina.
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