Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale (December 23, 1923 – July 5, 2005) was one of the most highly decorated officers in the history of the United States Navy. Shot down over enemy territory in 1965, Stockdale was the highest ranking naval officer held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He was released in 1973. He was awarded 26 personal combat decorations, including the Medal of Honor and four Silver Stars.
Stockdale led the U.S. air squadron during the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin Incident. During the late 1970s, he served as President of the Naval War College. Stockdale is also remembered as a Vice Presidential candidate in the 1992 election, on Ross Perot's independent ticket.
His unsuitability was undeniable when he died last year.