Biography

Jim Stockdale was born on December 23, 1923 in Abingdon, Illinois, USA. He was an actor and writer, known for In Love and War (1987), The Hidden Jungle (1990) and Third Degree Burn (1989). He was married to Sybil Stockdale. He died on July 5, 2005 in Coronado, California, USA.

Awarded the U.S. Medal of Honor for showing heroism as a captive in North Vietnam. The award citation reads: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while senior naval officer in the Prisoner of War camps of North Vietnam. Recognized by his captors as the leader in the Prisoners' of War resistance to interrogation and in their refusal to participate in propaganda exploitation, Rear Adm. Stockdale was singled out for interrogation and attendant torture after he was detected in a covert communications attempt. Sensing the start of another purge, and aware that his earlier efforts at self-disfiguration to dissuade his captors from exploiting him for propaganda purposes had resulted in cruel and agonizing punishment, Rear Adm. Stockdale resolved to make himself a symbol of resistance regardless of personal sacrifice. He deliberately inflicted a near-mortal wound to his person in order to convince his captors of his willingness to give up his life rather than capitulate. He was subsequently discovered and revived by the North Vietnamese who, convinced of his indomitable spirit, abated in their employment of excessive harassment and torture toward all of the Prisoners of War. By his heroic action, at great peril to himself, he earned the everlasting gratitude of his fellow prisoners and of his country. Rear Adm. Stockdale's valiant leadership and extraordinary courage in a hostile environment sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.".

Was the 1992 U.S. Vice Presidential nominee for the independent ticket led by Ross Perot.

Then-Vice President Dan Quayle invited Stockdale to the White House after the vice-presidential debate he, Stockdale, & Al Gore were involved in.

Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume 7, 2003-2005, pages 526-528. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007.

As the commanding officer of Carrier Air Group 16, Navy Commander James B. Stockdale was flying a Douglas A-4E Skyhawk from the aircraft carrier the USS Oriskany (CV-34), he was shot down anti-aircraft fire while leading a mission over North Vietnam on September 9, 1965 and captured. He was released from captivity on February 12, 1973.