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

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   John S. McCain, III
Image of 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
Place of Birth: **
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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.

Interview (Video)
»Interview Highlights  (7 clips)
»Complete Interview  (28 min.)
  Photos
»Photo Album (2 photos)
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»POWs in Korea or Vietnam
 Video (Interview Excerpts) (7 items)
The inspiration for For Whom the Bell Tolls (01:24) Returning from captivity, readjustment. (01:48) How his captors used news of the anti-war movement. (01:16)
Staying mentally alert while a prisoner. (00:49) Refusing early release according to the Code of Conduct. (02:26) How he was taken prisoner. (04:26)
Choosing to be a Navy pilot; the futility of the air war. (02:07)  
  
 
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  The Library of Congress  >> American Folklife Center
  October 26, 2011
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