John McCain, front right, poses with his squadron in 1965. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, McCain was captured by the North Vietnamese during a bombing mission in October 1967. McCain, who was a prisoner of war for more than five years, received many honors for his service.

McCain was born in the U.S.-controlled Panama Canal Zone where his father served in the U.S. Navy. The Republican senator comes from a long line of military men. The tradition continues with his son Jimmy, who recently returned from serving in Iraq.

The Arizona statesman credits military experience with shaping his understanding of national security and foreign policy.

(© AP Images)