Political Crossfire Forums

In another thread regarding John McCain's actions recently a side debate broke out over the question is John McCain a war hero. His actions during the Forrestal incident were mentioned as well as his capture and POW treatment. A moderator correctly suggested we get back on topic, but I thought the discussion warranted its own thread

Below is an article about his war record and decorations. Importantly he never released this information, it was revealed under a freedom of information request by associated press

http://www.diginfo.tv/v/12-0066-r-en.php

Now I am not a fan of John McCain nor his politics and I am glad he lost in 2008. That aside, if his actions during his military career do no consider him to be a hero, then I am buggered if anyone is deserving of the title

i don't see how the forestal incident makes him a herp. he was helping a fellow pilot and got injured. that's REALLY diminishing the magnitude that the word hero is supposed to have.

No such thing as war heroes. You kill people because you were told to kill people. Doesn't make you bad, but doesn't make you a hero.

Being in a war does not make someone a hero and neither does getting injured. However, if we look at the definition of hero:

he·ro/ˈhi(ə)rō/
Noun:

"A person, typically a man, who is admired for courage or noble qualities."

I think he displayed courage and nobility in refusing to be released and in helping his fellow soldier.