the passing of a true american hero

Adm. James Stockdale has passed away at age 81. while many american's will only remember him as the oft times bumbling running mate with ross perot during the 92 elections, he was much much more than that.
this man endured 7 1/2 years as a prisoner in vietnam. to prevent being used as a propaganda tool, he smashed his face so badly there was no way the north vietnamese could take pictures of him without making it look like they were torturing him. and torture they did. the list of indignities he suffered can make a grown man's knees buckle. and they bitch about wearing a hood, and sleeping on the floor in gitmo.
Stockdale was one of the most highly decorated Navy men in the history of the service, receiving a multitude of medals for valor and heroism, including the Medal of Honor.

Admiral, i never met you, and the only visual i have of you is the 92 v.p. debates. but i've read about you and sir, i salute you. thank you for your invaluable service to our nation, and your fellow prisoners and shipmates. you were a true hero.

Sailor, rest your oar.

edit: i just found a great post by Varifrank that says what i did a whole lot better.