I don`t know how much hay can be made about Obama having to read the name on his bracelet. Here is a clip. It looks like McCain is reading his bracelet, too.
McCain was looking briefly at his bracelet multiple times to call attention to it because he can't hold up his arms very high and show the bracelet.
He recalled the soldiers name lighting quick and looking down at his bracelet likely to quickly to read it.
He knew the name by heart because it actually meant something to him.