Posted on 05/08/2008 7:51:34 AM PDT by tlb
WASHINGTON (AP) - John McCain's Navy record boils down to a series of unadorned paragraphs that bestow upon him some of the nation's top military honors.
The Navy recently released McCain's military record - most of it citations for medals during his Navy career - after a Freedom of Information Act request by The Associated Press.
McCain was awarded a Silver Star Medal for resisting "extreme mental and physical cruelties" inflicted upon him by his captors from late October to early December 1967, the early months of his captivity, according to the citation. The North Vietnamese, according to the Navy, ignored international agreements and tortured McCain "in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes."
His captors tortured him and held him in solitary confinement. Still, he declined an offer of early release until those who had been at the prison longer than him were let go.
That decision earned McCain a Navy Commendation Medal. Although McCain was "crippled from serious and ill-treated injuries," he steadfastly refused offers of freedom from those holding him prisoner. "His selfless action served as an example to others and his forthright refusal, by giving emphasis to the insidious nature of such releases, may have prevented a possibly chaotic deterioration in prisoner discipline," the citation says.
McCain attended the U.S. Naval Academy from 1954 to 1958, and was commissioned as an ensign in June of that year. He retired in April 1981 with the rank of captain. In that time he received 17 awards and decorations. Besides the Silver Star Medal, McCain also received the Legion of Merit with a combat "V" and one gold star, a Distinguished Flying Cross and a Bronze Star Medal with a combat "V" and two gold stars.
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews.myway.com ...
I find Senator McCain's humble sentiments as expressed here are also praiseworthy. While I may not agree with all of his political stances, I respect his honorable service in our military and for our country.
I think it is a record that is a strong contrast to either of the possible Democrat candidates. I cannot see Senator Obama in any light except that of the despicable company he keeps:
McCain’s military record is not a reason in itself, it is a reflection of core character.
THe guy is telling us he is the most qualified man in the country for the most powerful job in the world. I don’t think modesty is a quality he can claim.
I think anyone who is thinks that their duty as a conservative is to allow Barack Obama into the White House is a far right winger. That’s coming from a guy who was supporting Duncan Hunter this time last year.
Sure, there are the Duncan Hunters of the world.
There are also the John Glenns.
As a Naval Officer, John McCain served this great republic with honor and distinction.
As a Senator ... not so much.
Very good point. Don't forget the John Murthas too.
Right ...
I had many political policy disagreements with Sen. Glenn.
Murtha is just slime; not even remotely in the same category.
You said the magic words. (It ain't over until it's over).
Perhaps hard-right hypocrite is a better word...such in the case of thrice-divorced; pilodial-cyst draft-escaping; pill-popping yet-advocate-of-hard-time-for-druggies, high radio poobah!
I’m pretty sick of people like you.
To allow the acknowledged most liberal Democratic Senator the White House because they might have a few differences with McCain (who, BTW, has a lifetime 84% conservative record) sounds more like an extra-chromosome far righter--anologous to historic figures such as Gobbles or Tojo, who chose suicide when their beloved fuhrer and emperor were defeated.
Ping
So when can we expect Obama’s full military records to be made public?
I wouldn’t go quite that far, but to me it’s like hearing the doctor tell you he may have to tak your leg off at the knee and telling him to go ahead and lop off the other leg and one of your arms while he’s at it.
Does the Taliban keep records?
Um...I have to object to the drug stuff about Rush. Those who get addicted to prescription drugs deserve some latitude, because unlike other drug users their addiction is not the consequence of an immoral and illegal act.
When Obama has the nomination wrapped up, the press will begin reporting on Cindy McCain’s prescription painkiller addiction, and will only mention her outstanding charity work because they have to do so to talk about the drugs.
I don’t think the media will be interested in digging into B Hussein Obama’s background.
Afraid of what they’ll find.
Very well said borroak
You're speaking to someone who knows first-hand about prescription drug abuse. It caused my divorce from a wife, an RN who couldn't keep her hands from the hospital medicine cabinet; and I have two daughters, also nurses who've had their trials with substance abuse. One is currently sober and drug-free after more than a decade in AA; the other I am currently estranged from until she get's her act together. But, as for Rush Limbaugh, I've yet to ever hear a sympathetic word for those who are struggling with drug abuse. As well, I cannot remember him even really ever acknowledging his own ordeal, except to excuse it because of extreme ear pain. I do recall a lot of "lock 'em up and throw away the key" for similiar crime however.
Here is the black and white truth about McCain click here . His former wife, Carol Shepp, has long forgiven him and supports his run for the presidency (in much the same way that Jane Wyman supported Ronald Reagan). Both of Shepps' sons (his stepsons) are actively campaigning for him.
That was quite some read. Wow. I don’t want this man to be President (although I prefer him over the OTHER two!), but he certainly has conviction, character, and bravery. I’ll applaude him for that.
I think your user name says it all.
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