93 Confirmed Kills

   As in anything else, be it sports, science, or something else, there is always that one person that is considered to be the best in their field. The same goes for the military and sniping. During the Vietnam War, a man racked up an incredible tally of 93 confirmed kills; that means that while he had a spotter with him and watching, he's killed 93 hostile Viet Cong. He also had several hundred unconfirmed, seeing as he liked to work alone most of the time. This man is Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock.
   Carlos Hathcock was sent over to Vietnam as part of the new Scout/Sniper program. He was chosen above many for his far superior shooting skills. On the Marine Corps shooting course, he scored 248 points out of a possible 250. Soon after being sent into Vietnam, he began to rack up an incredible tally on the North Vietnamese Army (NVA), who were quick in setting a bounty on his head of a three years salary, which was speculated to be about $10,000 at the time.
   Sergeant Hathcock was instantly recognizable for the white feather that was held in the band around his boonie hat. He acquired the feather shortly after arriving on his first tour of duty. He noticed a man outside of a hut from his position carrying a weapon. He sent one well aimed shot down range and killed the man. Later, after walking past the man, the rifle that was lying on the ground was pointing to a white feather just a foot away from the muzzle. He picked it up and tucked it away in the band on his hat. This forever became his personal sign. The NVA new him only as "Long Tr'ang de K'ich" which translates to "The White Feather Sniper."

   Unfortunately, during his second tour in Vietnam, the amtrac that he was in ran over a land mine that exploded sending the amtrac straight up bursting into flames. Being the only one left conscious, Hathcock put his comrades before himself and got everyone else out of the burning amtrac. He suffered 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns on 85% of his body. He was immediately flown out of Vietnam and was sent home having to receive multiple skin grafts. This was soon to end his career as a Marine along with his multiple sclerosis. Just 55 days short of his 20 years of service, Hathcock was deemed medically 100% disabled and was forced to retire. During his career as a marine he was accredited to 93 confirmed kills, several hundred unconfirmed, and he was to later receive the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Unfortunately his terminal multiple sclerosis ended his life February 23, 1999. However today he is still a sniping legend that all snipers today strive to be like.