Marine honored in Hardin County for receiving Medal of Honor
SAVANNAH, Tenn. — A West Tennessee Marine is honored, awarded for his sacrifice serving for the United States Marine Corps. A crowd gathered Saturday outside the Hardin County Courthouse to show support for Lance Corporal William Kyle Carpenter, one of only three in Hardin County to have ever been awarded the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is the United States of America’s highest military honor. Governor Bill Haslam named Dec. 20, 2014, Corporal William Kyle Carpenter Day in Tennessee. “When the pressure was on, something instantly had to be done,” said Carpenter’s mentor, Bill Kennedy, who spoke at Saturday’s event. “Kyle Carpenter showed what he was made of.” Carpenter fought for the Marine Corps in Operation Enduring Freedom during his Afghanistan tour. Reports said he shielded a grenade from his fellow marine, causing him to lose his right eye and most of his teeth. The blast even caused fractures in his jaw and arm in several places. “Some have said he was awarded it, but I”m here to tell you today he wasn’t awarded it — he earned it,” Kennedy said. President Obama honored Carpenter with the Medal of Honor in June of this year. The now-veteran Carpenter explained the reason soldiers risk their lives for the United States. “Free streets, to say the pledge of allegiance, to say a prayer — a lot of people around the world don’t get that,” Carpenter said. “They can’t really fathom what it is to live in a free country or town, or live on free streets.” Carpenter said this medal does not just represent him. “A lot of nations look to us as a shining example of freedom, hope and democracy,” Carpenter told the audience. “So I wear it for that. I wear it for all of you. I wear it for our future generations.” Carpenter retired from the Marine Corps July 2013 after serving since November 2010. Since receiving the honor, Carpenter attends school at the University of South Carolina in Columbia.
