John McCain was born August 29, 1936 the son and grandson of naval admirals. He began a 22 year naval aviation career after graduating from the United States Naval Academy. During the Vietnam War, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war for five and a half years. He accumulated an impressive list of honors including the Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit and Distinguished Flying Cross. In 1982, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives where he served two terms before moving to the U.S. Senate in 1986.
McCain has three children from a previous marriage, four children with his current wife, Cindy, and four grandchildren.