Reverse Ace

Why is McCain considered a hero?

Navy pilot John Sidney McCain III should have never been allowed to graduate from the U.S. Navy flight school. He was a below average student and a lousy pilot. Had his father and grandfather not been famous four star U.S. Navy admirals, McCain III would have never been allowed in the cockpit of a military aircraft.

His father John S. "Junior" McCain was commander of U.S. forces in Europe later becoming commander of American forces in Vietnam while McCain III was being held prisoner of war. McCain III's grandfather John S. McCain, Sr. commanded naval aviation at the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.

During his relative short stunt on flight status, McCain III lost five U.S. Navy aircraft, four in accidents and one in combat.

I understand that he was in a prison camp. I understand that he was tortured. But what is heroic about being shot down and tortured? It must have been a terrible hardship to be in the prison. Did he do something to save his fellow prisoners? Exhibit some kind of great leadership? Where are his fellow prisoners? John Kerry was able to produce people he served with in combat. Where are McCain's buddies from the Hanoi Hilton? What medals did he win?