The Navy credits me with more kills as a sniper than any other American service member, past or present.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
'American Sniper' is a movie. War is a grim reality and with us still.
I think 'American Sniper' is anti-war. It demonstrates the agony of the decision-making that goes on.
I was only a gun captain on the battleship Alabama for 34 months. People have called me a hero for that, but I'll tell you this - heroes don't come home. Survivors come home.
I was a sailor. I was torpedoed, spent two weeks in a lifeboat. I was on the Murmansk run; I worked a 20 mm. machine gun, helped bring down a Stuka, all that kind of stuff. I've got letters from Franklin Roosevelt for things I did then. But those kind of credentials didn't work for you in the Cold War.
I guess it's sad that anybody, regardless of profession, that they're in this country, would take a shot at our military.
When I lost my rifle, the Army charged me 85 dollars. That is why in the Navy the Captain goes down with the ship.
Working with our military community has been the biggest honor of my life.
I did my military service from 1989 - 92 and I was never shot at or had to fire on anybody. I was very lucky. I was more involved in intelligence and counter-intelligence.
I proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War as an artillery operations specialist in the all-black 503rd Field Artillery Battalion in the Second Infantry Division.
My own military background is wholly un-distinguished. I was a sergeant.