John S. McCain, IIIMcCain, IIIJohn S.**Vietnam War, 1961-1975NavyUSS Enterprise (CVN 65); USS Intrepid (CV 11); USS Forrestal (CV 59); United States Naval AcademyCaptainAnnapolis, Maryland; Meridian, Mississippi; Hanoi, North VietnamYesVeteran"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 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.Lt. Comdr. John S. McCain. April 24, 1973.Forever a SoldierPOWs in Korea or VietnamJohn McCain, (front, right) with his squadron.1965John McCain (center) being captured by Vietnamese civilians in Truc Bach Lake near Hanoi Vietnam.October 26, 1967Choosing to be a Navy pilot; the futility of the air war.How he was taken prisoner.Refusing early release according to the Code of Conduct.Staying mentally alert while a prisoner.How his captors used news of the anti-war movement.Returning from captivity, readjustment.The inspiration for <i>For Whom the Bell Tolls</i>Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congresshttps://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.07736/DLC-AFC2023-05-08loc.natlib.afc2001001.07736