It’s been more than 50 years since then-Cmdr. Stockdale was shot down in Vietnam during his third tour. He had already flown nearly 200 combat missions during the three deployments, earned numerous awards and medals for his leadership and bravery. He led the first bombing mission over North Vietnam in August 1965, and after being shot down and captured, wasn’t released until Operation Homecoming in February 1973.
Being the highest-ranking Navy officer to serve as a prisoner of war during Vietnam isn’t what made Stockdale legendary or earned him the Medal of Honor. Nor was it the 26 combat decorations, including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Distinguished Service Medals, four Silver Star medals and two Purple Hearts.
It was how he led his fellow prisoners by example for nearly eight years in captivity in the Hanoi Hilton and a special hellhole they called Alcatraz.
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