Despite what Hollywood will have you believe, the role of the sniper is far greater than picking off enemies from afar. Rather, the sniper — otherwise known as a “sharpshooter,” — plays a crucial role in neutralizing enemy threats and securing battlefields. He or she does this by putting to use the collective skills of tacticians, engineers, ballisticians, and, of course, marksmen to perform several crucial roles. The most critical of those roles include providing advanced tactical intelligence to troops on the ground and protecting ground troops from enemy fire.  

Most military snipers are noteworthy simply for what they do. However, some have made names for themselves by saving countless lives from their perches up high, and often while putting themselves in harm’s way. Those snipers have earned the honor of being among the most legendary snipers in U.S. history. Below are just four of them.

1. Carlos Hathcock

When it comes to discussions of legendary marksmen, it’s impossible for gun enthusiasts and history buffs not to bring up Carlos Hathcock. Reverently referred to as “White Feather” for the white feather he kept tucked into his helmet, Hathcock boasts over 90 confirmed kills. However, because of how officials verified enemy kills during the Vietnam War, both Hathcock and historians agree that the tally is actually between 300 and 400. That said, his number of kills alone is not what makes Hathcock so legendary.

According to legend, Hathcock shot an enemy sniper named through his rifle scope. The only way he could have accomplished that shot was if the enemy sniper was sighting him at the exact moment Hathcock pulled the trigger.

2. Chuck Mawhinney

Also a sniper during the Vietnam War, Mawhinney has a recorded confirmed 109 kills. However, like with Hathcock, that number is just a fraction of the number of his actual count. According to historians, Mawhinney’s number is likely closer to 325.

Per history, Mawhinney’s most famous feat occurred when 16 enemy soldiers were closing in on his position. Though shooting would surely give away his hiding spot, Mawhinney used his military-issued M40 A1 rifle to effectively eliminate all 16 soldiers within a matter of seconds. An M40 A1 is not an automatic rifle but rather, a bolt action sniper rifle that worked much like the gun he used to hunt deer as a kid.

3. Chris Kyle

It’s hard to discuss legendary U.S. snipers without mentioning Chris Kyle. In fact, due to his unwavering commitment to protecting his fellow troops through all means necessary, Kyle earned the unofficial moniker of “Legend” during his Iraq deployment. He has an impressive 160 confirmed kills under his belt and an additional 200 “probable” kills. He became famous due to the movie created in his honor, “American Sniper,” but was famous among troops long before that. After a former soldier shot and killed Kyle in 2013, his funeral procession spanned more than 200 miles across Texas Interstate 35.

4. Adelbert Waldron

Staff Sergeant Adelbert Waldron of the 9th Infantry Division of the U. S. Army had the job of patrolling the Mekong Delta on PBR boats during the Vietnam War. During his eight-month deployment he had 109 confirmed kills, one of which he made from over 900 yards away while on a moving boat. Until Chris Kyle destroyed the record decades later, Waldron held the record for the most confirmed kills in the least amount of time.

The history books contain records of dozens of snipers who accomplished impressive feats during their terms of service, each of whom is notable in and of themselves. However, when it comes to legendary American snipers, the above four men top the list.

If you agree with our list, let us know. If you think another man or woman deserves a mention, please comment below.