He Had Some Nicknames

One of the interesting facts about John McCain is he had some nicknames. John McCain was a wrestler at Episcopal High School, a private preparatory boarding school in Alexandria, where he excelled. He consequently received the moniker “Punk” and “McNasty.”

McCain enrolled in the United States Naval Academy, following in the traditions of his father and grandfather. There, he became a buddy and unofficial leader for many of his classmates, and occasionally spoke up for those who were the objects of bullying. He boxed as a lightweight as well. Because of his attitude and popularity with people of the opposite sex, he was given the nickname “John Wayne.”

On October 26, 1967, McCain was taken prisoner of war in the Vietnam War. His A-4E Skyhawk was shot down by a missile over Hanoi when he was flying his 23rd bombing mission over North Vietnam. McCain nearly drowned as he parachuted into Trc Bch Lake and broke both of his arms and a leg when he fell from the plane. He was carried into the shore by some North Vietnamese, who later bayoneted him and crushed his shoulder with a rifle butt. McCain was then taken to the main Ha L Prison in Hanoi, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton.” McCain received subpar care throughout his six weeks in the hospital. He was in a chest cast, having lost 50 pounds (23 kg), and his gray hair had gone white. His moniker became “the white tornado.”