Chris Campbell was born on September 16, 1974, at Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu, Hawaii. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 11, 1996, and reported for active duty to attend basic training on November 25, 1996. Campbell attended basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, from November 1996 to February 1997, followed by training at the Fleet Combat Training Center, Atlantic, at Dam Neck, Virginia, from February to April 1997. Petty Officer Campbell next attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at NAB Coronado, California, from May 1997 to February 1998, and then Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia, during March of 1998. His first assignment was with SEAL Team FIVE at NAB Coronado from May 1998 to March 2004, followed by additional training with SEAL Team SEVEN and at Training Support Center San Diego, California, from April to May 2004. He served with Navy Special Warfare Center Training Detachment Key West, Florida, from June 2004 to February 2006, and then with Naval Special Warfare Development Group at Dam Neck from February 2006 until he was killed in action when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard was shot down in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011. While serving with SEAL Team FIVE, Petty Officer Campbell deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan multiple times. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

His 2nd (of 3) Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as an Assault Team Member for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 1 March 2010 to 1 July 2010. During this period, Petty Officer First Class Campbell consistently and deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire during several direct action missions targeting high-level enemies that resulted in the elimination of multiple enemies and the detention of many others. On 17 March 2010, Petty Officer First Class Campbell led a team of Afghan soldiers during a daring nighttime raid targeting a senior level enemy commander. When the assault force came under heavy fire, he maneuvered his team to suppress the enemy fire while taking control of a separate squad that had sustained a wounded soldier. While helping bandage the wounded Soldier, Petty Officer First Class Campbell maneuvered both elements that resulted in the elimination of the targeted individual and numerous enemy fighters. He then maneuvered his elements through incoming fire to secure a helicopter-landing zone, enabling helicopters to extract the assault force. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer First Class Campbell reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.