VADM James B. Stockdale, USN (1923-2005)

A graduate of the Naval Academy Class of 1947, he is best remembered for his extraordinary leadership as the senior naval officer held in captivity during the Vietnam War, and his 1992 stint as running mate to independent presidential candidate Ross Perot. Admiral Stockdale was one of the most decorated officers in U.S. naval history, having received two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Purple Hearts and four Silver Stars among his 26 combat decorations. He also was the only three-star admiral to wear both aviator’s wings and the Medal of Honor. He is remembered in Rhode Island as the Naval War College president who brought moral philosophy to the Newport campus during his tenure from 1977 to 1979.