These 10 photos show John McCain’s heroism

Senator John McCain, a US Navy hero and one of the nation’s most influential Republicans, chose to forgo the medical treatment for advanced brain cancer, his family announced on August 24. It is the final chapter of a remarkable American life.

McCain would rise from an admiral’s son and Naval Academy midshipman to a decorated Navy captain and then a senator and Republican presidential nominee, who earned a reputation as a maverick who takes his own counsel.

As a 31-year-old Navy pilot, McCain’s plane was shot down on a bombing run, which began a searing five-year experience as a prisoner of war that would change the course of his life. He received a Silver Star for his heroism in captivity.

He has been a defense hawk and one of Congress’ most influential anti-torture voices — consistently opposing the kind of brutality he suffered in Vietnam.[View image on Twitter](https://twitter.com/cindymccain/status/1033007621156962304/photo/1 “View image on Twitter”)

> Cindy McCain✔@cindymccainI love my husband with all of my heart. God bless everyone who has cared for my husband along this journey.

> 11:06 AM – Aug 24, 2018[184K](https://twitter.com/intent/like?tweet_id=1033007621156962304 “Like”)

> [39.6K people are talking about this](https://twitter.com/cindymccain/status/1033007621156962304 “View the conversation on Twitter”)

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