Still like Trump after his attack on John McCain?

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 13:22:48 -0400

Trump Attacks McCain for Being Prisoner of War: 'I Like People That Weren't Captured'

Speaking today in Iowa, Donald Trump attacked John McCain for being a former prisoner of war. Watch here:'He's not a war hero,' Trump, a Republican running for president, said of McCain. 'I like people that weren’t captured. 'He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren’t captured.'McCain, of course, was the Republican nominee for president in 2008.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 18 at 2015 1:28 PM

SSG Izzy Abbass — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 13:28:06 -0400

There is a reason Trump is being followed by some groups under their Entertainment sections vs their Political sections

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 1:32 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 13:32:21 -0400

Are Bowe Bergdahl and Jessica Lynch war heroes?

Aren't you are a hero for serving in war. Aren't we all heroes for doing what we did? Can being captured default put you in a position of being more heroic than your peers. He is a Hero for what he did. He is a hero for his resistance while in captivity. I don't think reducing a hero for being captured really does him any justice. There is so much more then that. They suffered so much and and were heroic in their resistance. He is a war hero and suffered through more than most of use could ever imagine.

But we saw what happened to Jessica Lynch. Even though she is still a hero to many for what she did. But I don't think that her heroics are summed up to 5 minutes of her whole deployment.

But on a side note it isn't illegal to be a jerk. I wouldn't have said such a vulgar comment when responding about a POW. Summing up his service in Vietnam to just being shoot down is insulting. He reducing his service to one incident.

This is nothing more than a political attack and a vile one at that. I view Trump as an attack dog. He is going to say stuff that others can't. I don't even think the is really going to try and win. But those were are ultra conservative back him. And when he fails he is going to endorse a less conservative candidate and he will tell his followers to vote for them. If he doesn't do that they wouldn't vote at all.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 18 at 2015 2:04 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 14:04:41 -0400

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member People and the general public will grow tired of Trump in my opinion! He is saying what he can to gain headlines for the moment, but he will be out of the race when it comes down to the republican nominated candidate.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 18 at 2015 3:21 PM

SFC Stephen King — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 15:21:53 -0400

Those who have not served will never understand. Period

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 3:26 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 15:26:33 -0400

I'm voting for Trump. I'd rather someone with a back bone in office. McCain is an idiot. Trump could have said it nicer but he's not wrong.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 18 at 2015 3:28 PM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 15:28:04 -0400

I agree that it was in extremely poor taste of Trump to say that about CAPT McCain.

With that said, I've come to expect nothing less from anybody running for a major office like POTUS and NOT run a smear campaign. What does surprise me though is McCain isn't even running for office.

To answer your question, yes I still like Trump but he is not my first choice. I would have to say he's my second, possibly third, choice.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jul 18 at 2015 3:30 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 15:30:05 -0400

Trump is an egotistical blowhard that would do more damage to this country than ANY of the current candidates on the board. People will figure that out soon enough once they stop being enamored with his unflinching style.

Response by SSG James Arlington made Jul 18 at 2015 3:38 PM

SSG James Arlington — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 15:38:45 -0400

We have months of this?! I'm turning off the news.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 3:52 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 15:52:31 -0400

Some great comments here. But anyone who received draft deferments who in turn disparages anyone who served, is fighting to attain a new low. It's especially face-palm-inducing for the leading Republican candidate for president to do so.

I understand those who say you are not a hero simply for being captured, but what our Vietnam POWs went through - in McCain's case, for five years in the Hanoi Hilton as the son of a four-star admiral prosecuting the war - is unmatched. To compare John McCain to Bowe Bergdahl and Jessica Lynch is inconceivable to me, CPT Private RallyPoint Member. He is a retired Navy captain and sitting U.S. Senator who resisted exceptionally grave torture in captivity and kept others alive through the bravery of his example.

I think McCain has become an angry old man now who knows he is in the twilight of his life and career, but Donald Trump's current popularity continues to amaze me. Regardless of his "willingness to speak the truth," I don't believe he is worthy to be the bearer of conservative ideals in this election. If the GOP continues to let his poisonous messages steal all the oxygen from their narrative, they have no one to blame but themselves.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 9:01 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 21:01:53 -0400

http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/hes-not-war-hero-donald-trump-mocks-john-mccains-service-n394391

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 7:29 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 07:29:45 -0400

While I obviously can't speak for him I think what he meant is that McCain was only considered a hero because he was captured. Had he served and come home without incident would he have gotten the same title? There are hundreds of thousands of vets that have served in a combat zone but did absolutely nothing combat related. They sat in Internet cafes, at coffee shops, attended college classes, went to Salsa night, etc... Are they war hero's? To say yes would diminish the valorous actions of many others.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Jul 19 at 2015 9:34 AM

SSG Gerhard S. — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 09:34:54 -0400

As far as being a "Conservative ", I have to agree with Mr. Trump, regarding Senator McCain being a sham...

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 19 at 2015 9:37 AM

LTC John Shaw — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 09:37:13 -0400

One of the many reasons why Trump is a bad idea for the GOP. He speaks before he thinks. There are other pro business candidates and I don't think an ego centric Billionare has the patience to consider 2 & 3 level affects.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 19 at 2015 9:42 AM

SFC Stephen King — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 09:42:09 -0400

This is not what a Commander and Chief should be saying. It draws the line.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jul 19 at 2015 9:43 AM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 09:43:24 -0400

Slimeball, keep your mouth shut. Draft dodging chickenhawk.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 19 at 2015 9:50 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 09:50:33 -0400

This came across my feed earlier today, and I debated whether to share or not.

I decided not to give Mr. Trump anymore publicity.

Each instance leads me to believe he has an agenda which is NOT to get elected, and is NOT to get a Republican candidate elected.

"If" we work under the assumption that Trump is running a legitimate campaign for President, then there is something wrong with his strategy. However "if" we work under the assumption he is working a "false flag" campaign, and actually attempting to get a Democratic candidate in office, by "pretending to be the worst the Republicans have to offer" this changes the narrative dramatically.

This is all theoretical, however, with only limited information which for me is 1) Trump is Insane or 2) Trump is a Cunning Businessman...

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jul 19 at 2015 9:51 AM

LTC Kevin B. — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 09:51:36 -0400

I think The Donald stepped into it with this one. He should have just focused on McCain's voting record and his stated positions on current issues, rather than attacking his military background.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Jul 19 at 2015 9:52 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 09:52:37 -0400

I'm disappointed in what Donald Trump said. I highly regard Senator McCain's status as a former POW and the suffering he endured. While I like many of Donald Trump's positions, I believe he went too far on this one...

Response by SN Victoria Glover made Jul 19 at 2015 10:31 AM

SN Victoria Glover — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 10:31:45 -0400

All Trump is goid for is to shake things up. He has brought attention to alot of items that all other politicians are afrad to.

Response by MSgt David Haupt made Jul 19 at 2015 10:39 AM

MSgt David Haupt — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 10:39:51 -0400

Donald is an idiot. He is putting is foot in his mouth to many times. He is like the whole circus wrapped into one. How dare he! Plus thinks Sen. McCain is not helping...look at the Senator's track record. Why does everyone think it is just one man who needs to do something. There are over 400 others who need to step up as well.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 10:58 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 10:58:00 -0400

Trump's attack on McCain is deliberately mixed and classic manipulative info war. He mixed insulting McCain's political record with his military record. He did this on purpose to make people sound like if they were supporting Trump, they were also degrading his time as a POW and other points of service. But if they come out more in support of McCain then it looks like they support some of the questionable calls McCain has made as a politician. Montel Williams had a great response to Trump regarding the issue.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 19 at 2015 11:01 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 11:01:49 -0400

Yes The Donald said these things and yes I think he was wrong to attack CAPT McCain's war record. BUT... at the same time he was responding to personal attacks from McCain against himself. McCain called people who showed up in Phoenix to listen to Trump speak "crazies."

So while it wasn't in the greatest of taste, Trump did attack McCain's war record but he also attacked his policies.

I couldn't find the full speech but I did find a good 3 minute clip of it that MAY shed some new light on the controversy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8E7tbP0nrJ4

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jul 19 at 2015 12:18 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 12:18:12 -0400

Lol.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jul 19 at 2015 12:27 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 12:27:58 -0400

Brought to you by a man who can not even face the 'hardship' of taking his obviously fake hair off. 5 years in the Hanoi Hilton refusing to accept an early release and enduring hell on earth to live by the Code of Conduct and embrace the suck alongside his fellow POW's. I am not a Sen McCain supporting flag waver since I live in AZ and have not always been impressed by his votes, but he is far more deserving of my respect than a man who would try to diminish his service.

Response by SSG John Bacon made Jul 19 at 2015 12:41 PM

SSG John Bacon — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 12:41:34 -0400

Yeah you couldn't find pictures of Trump in the military because he was only a Military School Cadet. Here is his picture.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jul 19 at 2015 1:02 PM

Maj Kim Patterson — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 13:02:37 -0400

So I am guessing that should Trump reach any position of political power, all POWs and MIA will be forgotten except by the families and civilian forensics teams that continue the hunt. I also expect targets on the VAs and the Wound Warrior Program to come out of his mouth because by the "soldiers weren't good soldiers because they didn't manage to not get hurt or get captured theory" he used for McCain, the only "good soldiers" came back intact. Forget all those Purple Hearts and Medals of Honor; they weren't "good soldiers." I've read McCain's autobiography and he makes it quite clear he was not the best and brightest along the way. We also don't know the long term effects that molded McCain into the man we see today. With that said, do we really want someone who dismisses military service so casually and quickly condemns it? There are plenty of other issues regarding McCain to be used for mud slinging. POW goes beyond. I usually refrain from getting in too deep in political discussion but this one irked me. (I will step down from telephone book soapbox for now.).

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Jul 19 at 2015 1:42 PM

Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 13:42:07 -0400

I agree with many of the previous comments about Trump. I would wonder how well Trump would perform as President in international affairs, or domestic affairs as well, with the acidic approach he uses. I'm not sure I could respect a President who conducts himself like he does. Although I'm a registered republican, I'm thinking more and more about being an independent. Just my humble opinion.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 2:33 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 14:33:30 -0400

What an ass clown. With luck, this will hasten his departure from politics.

I enjoyed your comment about searching for a picture of D.T. in uniform, SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.. That's a good one!

Response by SGT Douglas Blackwood made Jul 19 at 2015 3:24 PM

SGT Douglas Blackwood — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 15:24:10 -0400

We have had too much of our leadership (Commander in Chief) not recognizing and respecting our military and the sacrifices we have made.

Response by MSgt Bj Jones made Jul 19 at 2015 3:58 PM

MSgt Bj Jones — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 15:58:50 -0400

Trump supported McCain in the 2008 elections but turned on McCain when he lost, saying he (Trump) does not like losers. It makes me wonder if Trump will despise himself if he does not win the Republican nomination, much less the Presidency. I guess those of us who weren't captured should be consoled by the notion we are "heroes" according to Trump (*Note: Sarcasm). What Trump forgot was in attacking Senator McCain's war record, he messed with the "Brotherhood" of Veterans and Service Members. We may insult, demean, attack, and beat each other up, but God help the world if anyone who never put 1 millisecond of time into Military service does such to our fellow Comrades in Arms. I don't see Sen McCain as a sham nor phoney. I see him as a Disabled Veteran who went through more than many of us can imagine. For Trump to attack McCain for being captured, I'd like to see how he would have reacted had he actually served. At least McCain served and put his life on the line. Trump should have kept his comments to McCain's political service and left his wartime service alone. http://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-john-mccain-war-hero-2015-7

Donald Trump attacks John McCain: 'He's not a war hero'

Donald Trump may have finally crossed the line.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 4:03 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:03:16 -0400

Senator McCain is a courageous man and a war hero. He was also a shitty pilot who only got where he was because of nepotism. It is what it is. That doesn't diminish what he did as a POW.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jul 19 at 2015 4:22 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:22:03 -0400

Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Jul 19 at 2015 4:57 PM

Capt Lance Gallardo — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:57:26 -0400

Sir, I have always thought that the Heroes like Sen. John Mccain and Vice Admiral James Stockdale (MOH recipient for his leadership, courage and indomitable will to resist his captors while in Captivity as the ranking Navy POW at the Hanoi Hilton & interestingly, Ross Perot's running mate as a VP candidate in the 1992 Presidential Election) and Commander Everret Alvarez, Jr. (longest held POW shot down 5 Aug 1965), and ironically, all three shot down while flying the A-4 Skyhawk, WERE THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE! To resist for years, the enemies inducements, torture, the boredom of captivity, and refuse to submit, refuse offers of better treatment, refuse to sign those damn "confessions" and "statements" that the North Vietnamese wanted to get out of these men for propaganda purposes, was an incredible, daily, act of heroism. If Donald, "Mr. 2 deferments to avoid getting drafted during Vietnam" had even bothered to read a book or two about what our Warfighters did in Vietnam, or the many fine Biographical Accounts of men that kept the faith and their honor as POW Aviators in North Vietnam (Such as John McCain's "Faith of My Father's" which I proudly own and have read), he never would have uttered such despicable slander, and revealed just how truly ignorant of the bravery that most of our captured American Airmen displayed, some for years and years (1965 to 1973). Wikipedia is free and full of the heroic accounts of these men and how they brought themselves and the Nation and their Services incredible Honor and Credit by their resistance. I would not even account myself worthy to tie any of their shoelaces in comparing myself to the kind of men they are and were. My blood boiled over when I heard that scumbag make his "Jane Fonda type remarks," casting aspersions on not just John McCain but all of our heroic aviators who were shot down and not just survived but actiuvely resisted in captivity for years, and accepted no favor from the enemy. Our country needs courage and real leadership right now as we are beset with enemies at home and abroad. Donald trump is not worthy of any consideration by any veteran based upon his unrepentant and scurrilous remarks.
PS Another excellent book to read about the heroism of our Aviators held at the Hanoi Hilton is http://www.amazon.com/When-Hell-Session-Jeremiah-Denton/dp/ [login to see] /ref=tmm_pap_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=
US Sen. Jeremiah Denton (R -Alabama), and Navy Cross recipient for his leadership and resistance in almost eight years of captivity in the Hanoi Hilton, just passed away last year. He retired from the U.S. Navy as a Rear Admiral in 1977 following a long and distinguished career.

Amazon.com: When Hell Was in Session (9780966059724): Jeremiah A. Denton, Ed Brandt: Books

Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Jul 19 at 2015 11:22 PM

Capt Lance Gallardo — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 23:22:52 -0400

Trump's comments were disgraceful about one of the most courageous "war heroes" our nation has ever produced, for enduring what he did at the hands of the North Vietnamese, as well as the combat missions he flew before he was shot down. John Mc Cain was a serving Admiral's son and the North Vietnamese thought he would be a great propaganda tool if they could "turn him" by torture or inducements of better treatment. Nothing worked on him and he stayed true to his commission, his oath of office, and the Code of Conduct, and maybe more importantly to the Brotherhood of his fellow POWs. Unfortunately quite a few of the captured US Aviators broke their Faith and violated all of the above to avoid solitary confinement, torture or just to get the "favors" that were being offered to them. That is well documented and the heroes like John McCain who never violated their code of conduct know who these men were. Trump went way over the line of common decency, and doubled down on his stupidity by refusing to recognize his error and slander, and F__King Apologize for what he said! Rick Perry of all people called him out quickly and condemned him in the harshest terms. Maybe because Rick Perry was an Air Force pilot and probably knows what the Captured US Aviators who kept the faith in the Hanoi Hilton did. I am now understanding why so many vets in Texas, including Navy Seals and Army SF vets are passionate in their support for Rick Perry. Trump is dead to me, as I heard Bill Krystal say this morning on a News program:

RADDATZ: And, Bill Kristol, I think it was just yesterday you did a brief interview with ABC News, calling him older, wiser, richer Donald Trump would be better than Hillary.

Still think that?

BILL KRISTOL: I think he's still older and richer than Hillary Clinton.

KRISTOL: Though if she gives a few more speeches maybe she'll catch up. But, no, I don't think that anymore actually. I think it's one thing, he was a controversial character who said some useful things, I think, and brought some people into the Republican tent. But he jumped the shark (ph) yesterday.

He said to me -- no, seriously --

RADDATZ: -- to you --

KRISTOL: -- yes, seriously, no. I mean, he insulted every veteran, every -- certainly every veteran who's a POW, which is -- with these insane statements about how it's your fault that you're captured or shot down. And with total lack of respect for not just John McCain -- that I think other people made this point, Jim Webb, made this point -- for other people's military service and sacrifice.

So I'm finished with Donald Trump. And I don’t think it's going to -- he'll -- and I don't think -- I don't think he'll stay up in the polls, incidentally. Republican primary voters are pro-respect the military. And he showed disrespect for the military.

Response by SSG Jerry Johnson made Jul 19 at 2015 11:32 PM

SSG Jerry Johnson — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 23:32:44 -0400

Response by SSG Jerry Johnson made Jul 19 at 2015 11:36 PM

SSG Jerry Johnson — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 23:36:26 -0400

Trump crossed the line long before this and all he got was encouragement.

Response by SSgt Robert Clark made Jul 20 at 2015 1:44 AM

SSgt Robert Clark — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 01:44:03 -0400

Until Donald Trump has walked a mile in the shoes of a veteran, especially the ones who have gone into harms way or spent time as a POW, he has not one qualification to attack a veterans service. I'm not a McCain fan, don't even know or care if he should be called a hero, but he has gone into harms way and lived an existence few know or understand and because of this I respect him. And I never have liked Trump. He's just a narcissistic blow hard looking for a way to keep the spot light on himself.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 4:16 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 04:16:32 -0400

I don't think he was trying to diminish his service if you listen to the whole clip he was basically saying the only reason McCain is known as a hero is because he was captured. And saying he prefers his Heros to not be captured because he doesn't want any American to be captured not that it makes you less of a hero to be a POW. I'm just tired of all the polished talkers.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jul 20 at 2015 10:28 AM

Capt Brandon Charters — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 10:28:25 -0400

That was the nail in Trump's GOP coffin.

Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Jul 20 at 2015 11:21 AM

Capt Lance Gallardo — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 11:21:13 -0400

THE BADDEST OF THE BAD! US Navy Lieutenant, Naval Flight Officer George Thomas Coker- This is the kind of man Donald Trump spit on with his comments about losers who got shot down and then captured.
Read what Coker endured and what he DID with his escape and what the North Vietnamese DID TO HIM for his Heroic Resistance and tell me Trump's comments don't outrage you as some of the worst slander on our Best People you have heard since the "baby killers" invective showering our Returning Sailors, Airmen,GIs and Marines during the Vietnam War.

"Spent two years alone in a windowless concrete cell measuring 3 feet by 9 feet that had a light bulb kept on around the clock. He was locked each night in irons by a guard. Coker remained in "Alcatraz" until December 9, 1969 and spent the next three years in captivity shuffled between a number of different prisons.[17]" How this man did not go completely crazy is a miracle and a testament to his grit, and why his fellow POWs held him in the highest of Esteem. His example, and others like him help caused the North Vietnamese to abandon their harsh treatment of the POWS. Coker ministered to his fellow POWS despite his own hardships and deprivations. His selflessness and service to his fellow POWs epitomized what we all hoped to become when we enlisted or became Officers in the US Military. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 KJV Bible

From his Wikipedia Page

During his captivity, Coker was notable for the ferocity with which he resisted his incarceration.[5][21][22] Coker was considered one of "the baddest of the baddest" of the POWs, a reference to his stubborn resistance to his captivity.[23] Coker's Silver Star Medal citation cited his fierce resistance as one of the significant reasons the North Vietnamese eventually abandoned harsh treatment of the prisoners.[24] Coker served as Chaplain to his fellow prisoners while he was in captivity, providing them with spiritual guidance and constructive counseling. For these efforts, he was awarded the Legion of Merit.[25]

In July 1967, Coker devised "unusual and ingenious methods" to allow his fellow prisoners to communicate with each other within their camp, assisting their collective efforts to resist their captor's demands and improving the morale of American and Allied POWs. For his "heroic achievement", Coker was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V".[26]

That year, Coker and Air Force Captain George McKnight (another of the "baddest") conceived an escape plan. The two would escape from their cells and make it to the nearby Red River, swim by night and hide by day, estimating that it would take three or four days to reach the mouth of the river. There they would commandeer a boat and make it out to sea where they hoped to flag down a ship of the United States Seventh Fleet, estimating that it would take eight days from their escape until their rescue.[27] The two removed the hinges from their cell and escaped from Dirty Bird prison in Hanoi the night of October 12, 1967, climbed to the roof of the prison block and jumped to another roof to escape. They tied themselves together to avoid separation and jumped into the Red River near the Tanwa Bridge. That night they made it 15 miles downstream in the dark and hid in the mud on the river's edge at daybreak. The two were recaptured 12½ hours after they had escaped when they were spotted by fishermen along the shore early that morning and were handed over to soldiers. They were held in irons at Hoa Lo prison before being returned to Dirty Bird a few days later.[20][27][28][29] Their effort made them two of the very few POWs to ever escape from a North Vietnamese POW camp. Coker was awarded the Navy Cross, the Navy's highest award for heroism, for his actions in his attempted escape as a prisoner of war.[30] The citation reads in part:

...for extraordinary heroism during an extremely daring escape from a solitary confinement cell while a Prisoner of War in Hanoi, North Vietnam on October 12, 1967. During a period of particularly harsh treatment, Lieutenant Commander Coker and another prisoner executed an escape as a two-man team despite the high risk of brutal reprisal or possible loss of life. That night, after opening the cell door by removing door bolt brackets from inside the room, he proceeded over the wall and through several blocks of housing to the Domer Bridge. Walking under the bridge to the Red River's edge, he swam downstream all night and at sunrise buried himself in a mudbank in an effort to remain concealed. He was later discovered, recaptured, severely beaten for many hours, and banished to solitary confinement for two and a half years.[31][32]
On October 25, 1967, Coker was one of 11 of the most effective resisters, among the 267 POWs then held, who were placed in a special facility in a courtyard behind the North Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense, soon nicknamed "Alcatraz", located about one mile away from Hoa Lo Prison. Coker and McKnight were added to nine prisoners who had been at a facility nicknamed "Vegas": Jeremiah Denton, Harry Jenkins, Sam Johnson, James Mulligan, Howard Rutledge, Robert Shumaker, James Stockdale, Ronald Storz and Nels Tanner. While most of those among the Alcatraz 11 were senior officers, Coker was the youngest and most junior of those isolated from the other POWs.[27][33] The 11, known as the "Alcatraz Gang", were separated from other captives and placed in solitary confinement for their leadership in resisting their captors.[30][34] In Alcatraz, each of the 11 men were kept in solitary confinement. Coker spent two years alone in a windowless concrete cell measuring 3 feet by 9 feet that had a light bulb kept on around the clock. He was locked each night in irons by a guard. Coker remained in Alcatraz until December 9, 1969 and spent the next three years in captivity shuffled between a number of different prisons.[17]
George Thomas Coker shortly after his release from the POW camps in North Vietnam; March 1973.

On March 4, 1973, both Coker and Fellowes were released as part of Operation Homecoming.[20] Vietnam-era POWs were released by order of capture, and Fellowes and Coker were in the second large release group, about No. 123 and #124.[2] Of their 2,382 days in captivity (6.5 years), 2.5 years were in solitary confinement and 2.5 years in the "Hanoi Hilton". They also spent time in several other POW camps around Hanoi. Fellowes retired from the Navy in July 1986[35] and Coker on October 1, 1986.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Thomas_Coker

George Thomas Coker - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

George Thomas Coker (born July 14, 1943) is a retired US Navy Commander, honored with the Navy Cross for his leadership as a prisoner of war (POW) during the Vietnam War, and a Distinguished Eagle Scout noted for his devotion to Scouting.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Jul 20 at 2015 11:37 AM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 11:37:28 -0400

From what I understand, Donald Trump was stating that John McCain is an acclaimed hero because he was captured, but those who weren't captured are just as much heroes. Except those who weren't captured are given little to no recognition for what they did. I am not aware of any actions that John McCain has done in political office to support veterans. I'm not saying nothing has been done, but it's not public knowledge. As with most politics, someone says one think that can be taken wrong and all of society freaks out. Give him the benefit of the doubt, Donald Trump has said that McCain is a war hero. I personally don't think everyone is a hero just for serving. Please tell me how Chelsea Manning, Bowe Bergdahl, Nidal Hasan and many others are 'heroes'. Our ranks are full of toxic leaders and troops with a distinct lack of ethics, so forgive me if I don't consider them heroes. Please for the love of God, stop attacking people for having a different opinion.

Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Jul 20 at 2015 12:13 PM

Capt Lance Gallardo — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 12:13:51 -0400

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2015/jul/19/donald-trump/trump-i-called-mccain-hero-four-times/

Trump: I called McCain a 'hero' four times

Donald Trump is facing intense bipartisan backlash after saying Vietnam War prisoner of war Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is

Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Jul 20 at 2015 12:17 PM

Capt Lance Gallardo — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 12:17:36 -0400

http://time.com/3964229/donald-trump-john-mccain-war-hero-apology/

John McCain Says Donald Trump Owes Veterans an Apology

“It’s just totally inappropriate" McCain said of Trump's comments

Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Jul 20 at 2015 12:27 PM

Capt Lance Gallardo — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 12:27:15 -0400

My step-father, a liberal Democrat socialist, who's politics I loath and despise, ran out of his college deferments in 1967 after getting his college degree and teaching credential, accepted his draft notice, and instead of trying to hideout in college or find some other way like DONALD TRUMP TO WEASEL OUT OF THE VIETNAM ERA DRAFT, and reported to Basic training in the US Army at Fort Kit Carson Colorado. He tells me that of his Army basic training Class EVERYONE WENT TO VIETNAM, except the three college grads who were held back for OCS. SO YES IT IS PERSONAL TO ME. When Donald the Draft Dodger makes Scurrilous remarks about John McCains's service to this country in a lousy war, that People like my Step-father did not support, but still went into the US Military when their Draft Notice came in the mail.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/07/20/what-donald-trump-was-up-to-while-john-mccain-was-suffering-as-a-prisoner-of-war/?tid=sm_fb

What Donald Trump was up to while John McCain was a prisoner of war

As McCain languished in prison, Trump was partying it up in Manhattan.

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 20 at 2015 2:20 PM

SPC David S. — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 14:20:54 -0400

Lies from Trump - "If I would have gotten a low number, I would have been drafted. I would have proudly served, but I got a number, I think it was 356. That’s right at the very end. And they didn’t get — I don’t believe — past even 300, so I was — I was not chosen because of the fact that I had a very high lottery number.” - 3 student deferments and 1 for a bone spur tell a different story. All of us here know of the McCain's family ties to the Navy and of their service. McCain refused to sign the confession that would have granted him a speedy release. Also as my father is a Vietnam vet I find his remarks very insulting to all the men and women that were KIA, a POW or served in the war.

Response by SSG Brian Kresge made Jul 20 at 2015 4:37 PM

SSG Brian Kresge — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 16:37:53 -0400

Donald Trump bravely avoided capture by staying stateside via deferment 5 times over. That kind of courage is needed in the Oval Office.

Only notsomuch.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 5:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 17:47:47 -0400

Just one more reason not to vote for this ***clown.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 5:52 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 17:52:49 -0400

John McCain as a senator is a POS. I respect him for his service and his time spent as a POW. I can't believe I'm defending him but Trump was way out of line especially in llight of his military record or lack thereof.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 6:33 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 18:33:15 -0400

Senator McCain, who does not receive my vote or support politically, is not a war hero because "he was captured". He is a war hero for his character, conduct, sacrifice, and leadership while captured and for his willingness to serve, whether he "liked" the conflict or not. I do not like his politics but to flippantly denigrate his service and actions before, during, and after captivity reveals the shallow character and logic of Mr Trump. Loud mouths and bullies can make lots of money but can they never hide their lack of depth.

Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Jul 20 at 2015 7:08 PM

Capt Lance Gallardo — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 19:08:51 -0400

The contrasts between what these two Americans did during a time of war could not be greater. John McCain developed his character while he was facing tremendous challenges as a Naval Aviator during his 55 combat missions (where he had already distinguished himself and put himself at risk every time he took off and landed on an Aircraft carrier's deck, with a combat loaded A-4, during daytime and nighttime ops, in fair weather and foul) BEFORE he was shot down. He further showed his quality after he became a POW by refusing to cooperate with the North Vietnamese and refusing to accept any favor, or accept any parole. All while being subjected to torture and the harshest of conditions. Everyday John and the other POWs defied the will of the enemy was an act of heroism for the men like John McCain who kept the faith with their Brothers and lived up to their Oath of Office and the Code of Conduct.

Meanwhile, back in the States, Donald Trump partied with the hottest women in Manhattan, while climbing the NY social scene, and making money anyway he could. Donald Trump has neither the judgement, wisdom, temperament, character or HUMILITY to be the elected the Leader of the Free World, aka The President of the United States.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/07/20/what-donald-trump-was-up-to-while-john-mccain-was-suffering-as-a-prisoner-of-war/?tid=sm_fb

What Donald Trump was up to while John McCain was a prisoner of war

As McCain languished in prison, Trump was partying it up in Manhattan.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 9:13 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 21:13:38 -0400

While not a Trump fan to begin with, this is just ridiculous. Somehow suggesting that John McCain's being captured invalidates the bravery and Solidarity of his military service. He's just trying to maintain his name being on the front pages of the papers for the ridiculous things he says. How can one who dares not serve anyone but himself even begin to downplay the military service of another?

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 20 at 2015 9:14 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 21:14:42 -0400

It was disrespectful. But Trump us not afraid to speak his mind.

Response by SSG James Arlington made Jul 20 at 2015 10:16 PM

SSG James Arlington — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 22:16:38 -0400

Who likes him? Get your head examined!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 9:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 09:39:39 -0400

Never did, only looking for press, Trump, is a chump!

Response by PO2 John Riley made Jul 21 at 2015 10:18 AM

PO2 John Riley — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 10:18:32 -0400

Trump is correct about MCCain's political record - he is a true RINO - not a conservative, more like a liberal. We don't need people like him in our government. A career politician on the public dole. Not what our founding fathers envisioned.

Response by Capt Lance Gallardo made Jul 21 at 2015 11:00 AM

Capt Lance Gallardo — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 11:00:07 -0400

What did Donald Trump said that outraged most vets and most Americans:
He SAID "I like people who weren't captured" implying that there was something wrong or less heroic of Shot Down US Airmen who somehow did not avoid capture and became POWs. Sgt Kristin Wiley you are also willfully ignoring the voice inflection and sarcasm that dripped from his lips when he said " "He's a war hero because he was captured," Trump said during an appearance at the Family Leadership Summit in Ames, Iowa, on Saturday. "I like people who weren't captured."" and THAT and the context and his voice inflection and obvious sarcasm, is what cast an aspersion and a slur on ALL of the Captured POWs, not just John McCain. Sgt Wiley you continue to ignore that these stupid remarks came from someone who weaseled his way out of the Vietnam Draft with three applied for and successful deferments from the draft. He has compounded that ignoble history by repeating his lies about how he avoided service in the Vietnam Draft by saying that he avoided getting drafted because his lottery number was high (and that is why his draft number was not chosen for the draft lottery), rather than the three draft deferments he applied for and received. He has also stated that he did not support or believe in the Vietnam war, which is fine, UNTIL you start making scurrilous remarks about a Vietnam decorated war hero while you are running for President (allegedly). His remarks as they apply specifically to John McCain are even more outrageous, when you consider how John McCain was captured. When he ejected he broke both legs and an Arm, (after being in an inverted flat spin in his A-4 -remember that is what was portrayed in the movie Top Gun-it is one of the hardest and most difficult positions to maneuver out of in a jet plane, impossible if your plane is on fire and just had a wing blown off from a SAM Missile the size of a light pole) then he landed in the middle of a lake, unconscious at first, badly wounded as described above. You are a parachute qualified, right, you tell me how easy it is to get out of Vietnam Era Parachute after a water landing, in that kind of physical condition and evade capture? That is also part of my anger at the stupid slander that you keep calling "opinion" that Donald Trump uttered from his mouth. This is personal to me and my family. My step-father whom I love despite his detestable politics, got his draft deferrals to complete his Bachelor's degree and his teaching credential, and then despite being STRONGLY against the Vietnam War reported for duty in the US Army pursuant to his draft notice, and served his two year commitment (66-68), getting his honorable discharge two year later. He has told me everyone in his Basic Training and AIT class went to Vietnam except the three college grads in his class who were held back for OCS. So when I think of this and how John McCain was captured, what he did as a POW, what he did before he was shot down, and the INCREDIBLE SUFFERING, that captured POWs endured, his remarks are not "merely someone's opinion," as you stubbornly keep repeating. They are outrageous and insulting to many vets, myself included, the Men who accepted their draft notices and served during the Vietnam War, while Trump Partied and made money in New York City, and now has the stones to ask people to take him seriously and actually vote for this clown.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jul 21 at 2015 11:14 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 11:14:33 -0400

Unfortunately there are enough people in this country who will buy into his "no-nonsense" speak that he will be a "player" until we tire of him. I find it reprehensible that he would attack the honor and integrity of Sen McCain in the manner in which he did, Trump may be good for the sound-bites he provides, but I fear his pronouncements will further alienate individuals from the Republican party and almost guarantee handing the election to Hilary......

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Jul 21 at 2015 1:49 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 13:49:18 -0400

Trump has no scruples. He has no humility. He is not humble in anyway...but then again neither is our current potus. We need someone in office who holds him or her self to higher standards...who'll put the needs of the many/constituents/citizens before him/herself... Someone with Honor and dignity and is bi partisan....looks at the big/whole picture and not just their party. Trump doesn't come any where near this...he's not even in the same ball park...Doesn't seem like anyone who is running posses all of these qualities, but hopefully some of them posses some of the qualities and can dig us out of our hole/slump we are in and we can once again be a proud nation.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jul 21 at 2015 1:56 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 13:56:55 -0400

Never a big fan of Trump in the first place. Yes he's a financial genius and knows how to run a company, but he lacks tact. And even when you want a POTUS that is a straight shooter, tact still matters.

As for his attack on McCain: I'm not a fan of some of his political stances, but his service to this nation as a service member is unquestionable. And for someone who has never served to make a snide remark about McCain being a "loser" because he was captured doesn't bode well thathe understands the military. McCain wasn't a hero because he was captured. He was a hero becuase of his conduct WHILE he was a POW.

Response by LTC Lewis Cox made Jul 21 at 2015 11:21 PM

LTC Lewis Cox — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 23:21:13 -0400

Hxll NO!

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made Jul 21 at 2015 11:24 PM

PO2 Kevin LaCroix — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 23:24:30 -0400

No, but he is the clown this circus needs for now.

Response by MSG Tim Gray made Jul 21 at 2015 11:31 PM

MSG Tim Gray — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 23:31:42 -0400

I had a sign in my yard for McCain before his last run for president. (Even kept it up two months after the election) now I'm hearing that his POW Commander stated, that he sung like a canary without any threat or intimidation upon his capture. Those accusations are supposedly backed up by other POW. If that's true then I guess Trump should have validated his comments by tying these facts in with his statement. My dilemma is-so much Bull feces in the news, what's true and what isn't?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 5:03 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 05:03:52 -0400

That's a low blow for Trump. He should be going after the bleeding hearted liberals that are currently destroying our country, not someone who has fought and endured a living hell for it.

Response by SPC Tony Bucaro made Jul 22 at 2015 12:07 PM

SPC Tony Bucaro — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 12:07:21 -0400

John McCain .... I have respect for the guy for serving our country and for what he went through as a POW/MIA but that is where it stops for me. He is a fellow veteran like myself and I haven't seen him do anything to the VA for all those veteran deaths. Not one person has been fired or has had criminal charges put on them. It's a shame. He has all this power and he does nothing with it. Of course this is just one Grunts oppinion!! HOOAH!

Response by RADM Jay Yakeley made Jul 24 at 2015 1:59 PM

RADM Jay Yakeley — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 13:59:23 -0400

There is no doubt that he really crossed the line with his remarks on Sen McCain on his time as a POW, but what do you expect for someone who avoided serving in the military ? On the other hand, Arizona's VA system is the worst in the US and McCain has done very little to change it.

Response by RADM Jay Yakeley made Jul 24 at 2015 2:12 PM

RADM Jay Yakeley — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 14:12:39 -0400

Sen John McCain just killed a Senate amendment that would have allowed the military to carry on and off base.

Response by SPC Randell Pendley made Sep 25 at 2019 2:10 PM

SPC Randell Pendley — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 14:10:02 -0400

I'll be on the Trump train for the duration.

Response by SPC Randell Pendley made Sep 25 at 2019 2:13 PM

SPC Randell Pendley — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 14:13:38 -0400

I certainly do.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jul 13 at 2020 5:43 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 17:43:31 -0400

I like him more. McCain is NOT a Patriot.