John McCain is a poor student, but excels in wrestling, and toughs it out at the US Naval Academy with the goal of becoming a career Navy officer like his father and grandfather, who were both admirals. Love at first sight leads to marriage to Carole and children. During the Vietnam War, he's shot down and captured by the Viet Cong, who torture American POWs. He resists years of torture and misery, only breaking once due to his broken limbs, and eventually returning home after five and a half years in captivity.—KGF Vissers