20 of America’s Most Decorated War Heroes

James B. Stockdale

• Rank: Rear admiral
• Military branch: Navy
• Served in: Vietnam War
• Medal(s) of valor: Medal of Honor, Silver Star

After being shot down over Hanoi in 1965, Stockdale spent eight years in a Vietnamese POW camp, and consistently exhibited bravery, even when subjected to torture. For his sacrifice, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Gerald Ford in 1976.