• Silver Star^[239]
• Legion of Merit^[239]
• Bronze Star^[240]
• Purple Heart^[239]
• Distinguished Flying Cross^[239]
• National Order of Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam)^[241][242]

^{-Wikipedia (1)}

John McCain is a decorated Vietnam War Vet, Retired Navy pilot, Prisoner of War, Son & Grandson of two 4-star Admirals, U.S. Senator and Republican Presidential Candidate. Regardless of what you think about him, one thing is undeniable: his service to the United States of America is beyond reproach & his dedication impeccable.

John McCain in Vietnam

Forrestal Fire (1967)

In 29 July 1967, McCain was stationed on the USS Forrestal conducting missions in Vietnam. During which time McCain survived one the worst carrier fires in history. The USS Forrestal had a fire that killed 134 crewmen and injured 161. The fires started from an electrical discharge of a Zuni rocket on the flight deck.

The rocket flew across the deck an hit either McCain’s aircraft or that of LCDR Fred D. White. Although the rocket didn’t detonate it ripped the wings off the aircraft and ignited the jet fuel within. White did not survive. As the Forrestal headed for repairs, McCain volunteered for the USS Oriskany.

John McCain POW

In 26 October 1967 (three months almost to the day after the Forrestal Fire), on his 23rd bombing run, he was shot down over Vietnam and held as a prisoner-of-war in Hanoi for five and a half years (1967-1973) (2). He ejected and landed in the Truc Bach Lake in Hanoi. He broke both arms and one leg from the crash. He was beaten, bayoneted and taken to Hoa Loa Prison, nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton”. (1)

Once his captors figured out that he was related to Admiral McCain, they offered to let him go. McCain refused, demanding that they let other POW’s go first who’d been there longer. Once he refused they were merciless.

McCain shared a cell with Medal of Honor winner Col. Bud Day, a man who escaped the Viet Cong with a sprang knee, lived in the jungle on berries and uncooked frogs, swam across a river with an arm that was broken in three places and was captured AGAIN by the Viet Cong… where he met none other than John McCain (why is this not a movie?) (3).

References:

1) Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_life_and_military_career_of_John_McCain#Prisoner_of_war

2) VietNam.com - http://www.vietnamwar.com/johnmccainbio.htm

3) Col Bud Day - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bud_Day