WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., today commended Mississippi native Corporal William “Kyle” Carpenter on receiving the Medal of Honor.

“Corporal Carpenter’s acts of heroism demonstrate the highest form of bravery and selfless sacrifice,” Wicker said. “He fought not only to save the life of his fellow Marine, but also for the protection of all Americans. We extend our deepest gratitude for his courageous deeds and are thankful for his incredible recovery.”

“Corporal Carpenter follows in the proud tradition of Mississippi natives who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery in defense of our nation. He is deserving of this high honor and our nation's gratitude for his service and sacrifice,” Cochran said.

Carpenter was born in Flowood, Miss., and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2009. In 2010, Carpenter was serving in Afghanistan when he covered a grenade to save fellow Marine, Lance Corporal Nicholas Eufrazio. Both survived but sustained severe injuries. Carpenter spent two-and-a-half years recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and was medically retired in 2013. He is currently enrolled at the University of South Carolina.

Carpenter is the eighth living Medal of Honor recipient who served in Iraq or Afghanistan and the second living Marine to receive the award for his bravery during the Global War on Terrorism.

President Obama awarded Carpenter the Medal of Honor in a ceremony at the White House on June 19.