"I was privileged to observe a thousand acts of courage and compassion and love. It is a great honor of my life." (Video interview)

John S. McCain, III

Lt. Comdr. John S. McCain. April 24, 1973. War: Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Branch: Navy Service Location: United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland; Meridian, Mississippi; Prisoner of War (POW) Hanoi, North Vietnam Rank: Captain POW: Yes

John McCain's 5 1/2 years of captivity in North Vietnam were divided into two phases. Early on, this son and grandson of high-ranking Naval officers was accorded relatively privileged status. Then he refused early release--which he saw as a public relations stunt by his captors--insisting that POWs held longer than him should be granted their freedom first. Thereafter, McCain was treated much more severely, but he also had an opportunity to bond with his fellow prisoners. Those experiences strengthened his resolve and eased his transition back into civilian life.