Kyle Carpenter was born in Jackson, Mississippi, where he lived until he enlisted with the Marine Corps in 2009.
After completing his training, Carpenter was deployed to Marjah, in Afghanistan's Helmand Province.
While serving, Carpenter (left) became close friends with Nicholas Eufazio (right). On November 10, 2011, Carpenter threw himself on-top of a grenade in order to save Eufazio's life.
Carpenter withstood extensive injuries. The blast broke his arm in more than 30 places, took his right eye, and mangled his lower jaw.
During his recovery, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos and then-Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton Kent presented Carpenter with the Purple Heart.
Despite his extensive injuries, Carpenter made quick strides in his recovery. Here, he takes his first steps after his injuries.
Altogether, Carpenter underwent approximately 40 surgeries in two and a half years.
The majority of Carpenter's injuries are on the right side of his body, including the loss of his right eye. Carpenter has several prosthetic eyes, some of which have been painted to include an image of the Purple Heart.
During his recovery, Carpenter had to relearn skills like tying his shoes ...
Once he relearned the basics, Carpenter wasted little time in making the most of life. He went skydiving in 2011.
Only fifteen months after sustaining his injuries, Carpenter was able to do a full set of pull-ups.
He has since gone on to complete the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon ...
... and he competed in his first mud run in July 2013.
Carpenter's recovery is nothing less than astonishing.
Once he receives the Medal of Honor, Carpenter will join former Sgt. Dakota Meyer as the only living Marine from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to receive the award.
You've seen Kyle Carpenter's remarkable recovery ...
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