Wednesday, July 06, 2005
God Speed Admiral James Stockdale
(Thanks to Neil Boortz for sharing this news with the rest of us. I've heard nothing mentioned about it in the press. I guess Brad and Angela are just too important)
"Most people will remember James Stockdale as Ross Perot's running mate in 1992 when he famously said at one of the debates "Who am I? Why am I here?"
Stockdale passed away yesterday at the age of 81. But Stockdale should be remembered for much more, including his heroism during the Vietnam War. After being shot down in Vietnam, he spent 7 years in the Hanoi Hilton, four of which were spent in solitary confinement and another two in leg irons. He had become a leader of the other POW's there and the North Vietnamese didn't like this too much. They tortured him repeatedly. His back was broken. His shoulders were twisted out of their sockets. To avoid appearing in a propaganda film, he mutilated himself with a wooden stool. To protest harsh treatment of prisoners, he broke out a window and slashed his wrists.
He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1976."
Admiral Stockdale personified what a real American is made of, and will forever be admired by this mid-level Air Force geek.
Rest in Peace Sir.
posted by El Capitan at 7:10 AM
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