Senator John McCain of Arizona, who has died aged 81 after suffering from brain cancer, was for many Americans an authentic national hero. The son and grandson of admirals, he was a pilot who shot down over North Vietnam, inspired his fellow prisoners by his courage under savage beatings and torture so severe that to the end of his life he could not lift his arms above his shoulders. He refused offers to be sent home, to deny his captors a propaganda victory and inspired older and higher-ranking prisoners with his exceptional bravery and leadership in jail.
Guardian: John McCain obituary
In this file photo taken on April 11, 2017, US Senator John McCain addresses the media during press conference at the US Embassy in Sarajevo.McCain, 81, who has been battling brain cancer since last year, has decided to end his treatment, his family announced on August 24, 2018. "The progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict. With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment," the family said in a statement.
