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National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Patient Transfer
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam, Nursing Sister Lt Desley McLean assisted by a Medic wheels a patient from the intensive care ward to the surgical ward, while a digger looks on from the triage in the distance.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, lt desley mclean, medic, digger, gibbons collection catalogue, nurse, wounded serviceman, denis gibbons -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Johnny O'Keefe On Stage
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of The Official August 1969 Johnny O'Keefe Concert Party visits the 1st Australian Field Hospital Vung Tau to perfom for sick and wounded diggers. photograph, johnny o'keefe, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, gibbons collection catalogue, 1969 official august johnny o'keefe concert party, entertainment, wounded serviceman, diggers, denis gibbons -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Operation Atherton
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Diggers from 1 Platoon A Coy 8 RAR on Operation Atherton eleven miles west of Nui Dat prepare for winching a wounded mate out of thick jungle. Casualties were one dead and fourteen woundedphotograph, a coy, operation atherton, gibbons collection catalogue, 8 rar, nui dat, diggers, wounded serviceman, denis gibbons -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Afternoon Show
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph At the 1st Australain Field Hospital, Vung Tau, Johhny O'Keefe and one of his backup singers present an afternoon of rock and roll for the wounded and sick Diggers.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, entertainment, johnny o'keefe, digger, gibbons collection catalogue, wounded serviceman, denis gibbons -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - SERVICEMAN'S CLUB, C.1993
These photos show the early renovations to the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club in 1993 Havilah Road. Refer Cat No's 8073P, 8171 & 8230.2 for more history..1) - .6) Series of 6 photographs colour showing early stages to the renovations of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club in Havilah Road.brsl, smirsl, bdsc, renovations -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Wg Cdr Alan Beech 2
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of RAAF Wing Commander Alan Breech, assisted by three medical officers in the triage of the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam, studying x-rays of a wounded Digger.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, raaf, digger, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, cdr alan beech, triage, wounded serviceman -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Physiotherapy 2
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph taken at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam. Here, the physiotherapist Lt Sue Wooley treats a patient in the physio hut where the hospital ensured the sick and wounded diggers received the best of care.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, nui dat, physiotherapy, lt sue wooley, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, diggers, wounded serviceman -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Vickery, Brian, Down From the Mountain: The Path of a Baby Boomer, 2020
This book traces the path of a oung man born immediately after the Second World War and classified throughout the world as a Baby Boomer.This book traces the path of a oung man born immediately after the Second World War and classified throughout the world as a Baby Boomer. vietnam war, 1961-1975 - participation - australian, soldiers - australia - biography, australian national serviceman, infantry platoon commander, australian infantry battalion -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Operating Theatre Laundry 1
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph taken at the 1st Australian Field Hospital. Here Medic Cpl Alex Berry sorts, prepares and loads the washing machine with operating theatre laundry. photograph, 1st australian field hospital, medic, cpl alex (chuck) berry, laundry services, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, wounded serviceman, doctors, nurses -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Operating Theatre Laundry 2
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of the laundry at the 1st Australian Field Hospital. Medic Cpl Alex Berry cleans and prepares theatre laundry materials for washing and sterilization.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, medic, cpl alex (chuck) berry, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, wounded serviceman, doctors, nurses -
Montmorency–Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Uniform - Forage Cap, RAAF WW2
Cap owned by Warrant Officer William Alexander SUMMERS, RAAF., (10814) born at Surrey Hills Vic., 26 APR 1918, enlisted 02 JUL 1940, discharged 24 MAY 1946. Last Posting: Air Force Headquarters This Item directly linked to a World War serviceman. Typical uniform item. Dark blue forage cap with two 13mm diameter plastic RAAF buttons on front. Black Cotton liner with off-white label attached. Missing cap badge (eagle and crown) evidenced by mounting plate indentations in liner. Label black stamped with 'LEWIS', 'F arrow S', and ' 7', and handwritten service number '10814' black/blue inkheadgear -
Montmorency–Eltham RSL Sub Branch
Uniform - Forage Cap, Australian Military Forces WW2
Cap issued to WO2 Leonard Charles CARROLL VX21885 of West Heidelberg, Vic., born in Manchester UK on 01 JAN 1907. An X-ray technician, he enlisted on 07 JUN 1940 at Caulfield, Vic. and served in the Middle East, Ceylon and Australia mainly with 2/4th Aust. General Hospital. Discharged 20 MAY 1947. (Ref: NAA: B883, VX21885) The ownership of this cap is clear and the service of this local ex-serviceman can be established. The usage of this cap is unknown as there is no evidence that it has been worn with any kind of cap badge.Khaki serge forage cap with two 12mm diameter AMF metal buttons. No cap badge. Cotton khaki lining. Cotton off-white label sewn to liningRegimental No. VX21885 NAME L.C.CARROLL Stamp E 9or F, broad arrow, S headgear -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Wounded Trooper
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam, Ward Sister Lt Ann Wright applies treatment to a wounded Special Air Services Digger Trooper Rossiter, wounded during a hot extraction out of enemy territory.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, lt ann wright, sas, digger, trooper rossiter, gibbons collection catalogue, special air services, wounded serviceman, nurses -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Adjusting the Drip Bottle
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph at 1st Australian Field Hospital Medics Rob Swincer and Mick O'Halloran steady a stretcher as Capt Ann Hall adjusts the drip bottle for a wounded Digger being transported ambulance to be medivaced by RAAF transport back to Australiaphotograph, 1st australian field hospital, rob swincer (medic), mick o'halloran, digger, capt ann hall, raaf, c130 medivac flight, gibbons collection catalogue, medics, vung tau, wounded serviceman, nurses -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Lt Terrie Roche
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A colured photograph of Lt Terrie Roche, during ward rounds, changes the dressing on Sapper Bruce Bevan of Mortdale, Sydney, at the 8th Field Ambulance Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam. The treatment varied from ward to ward for wounded and sick diggers.A colured photograph of Lt Terrie Roche, during ward rounds, changes the dressing on Sapper Bruce Bevan of Mortdale, Sydney, at the 8th Field Ambulance Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam. The treatment varied from ward to ward for wounded and sick diggers.photograph, 8th field ambulance hospital, vung tau, lt terrie roach, sapper bruce bevan, digger, gibbons collection catalogue, wounded serviceman, denis gibbons -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, Parry, Bill, Just a Nasho
Each man was different. Each man had a different view on life. Each man had a different lifestyle. But now, they all wore the green suit. Whether they were Regulars or Nashos did not matter.Each man was different. Each man had a different view on life. Each man had a different lifestyle. But now, they all wore the green suit. Whether they were Regulars or Nashos did not matter.vietnam war, 1961-1975 - personal narratives, australian, national service, australian national serviceman -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Red Cross Girls 1
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A colour photograph of 8 Field Ambulance Hospital Red Cross nurses, Janice Webb and Jean Debelle, doing the rounds with the wounded and sick Diggers.photograph, 8 field ambulance hospital, hospital, red cross, janice webb (red cross), jean debelle (red cross), nurses, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, diggers, wounded serviceman -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - SERVICEMANS CLUB, C.1993
The original venue was opened in 1978. The Shovel phase as per the photos would be 1993 as the new renovations were completed in early1994. The four with the shovel, left to right, unknown, Bill Clarke (Glasses) G. Garth, possibly Dawn Cartner. Bill Clarke was President of the Club at that stage. Refer Cat No's 8073P, 8171 & 8230.2 for more history..1) Photograph colour, showing part of the original venue at the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club Havilah Road. The bar was over in the far corner to the right, a section of the seating and Dance floor. The kitchen was to the right of the photo. .2) & .3) photo, colour shows 4 people with a shovel and hole in the dirt, in the back ground is several onlookers.brsl, smirsl, bdsc, renovations -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - SERVICEMAN'S CLUB, C.1994
These two images are most likely at the opening of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club after the renovations finished early in 1994. On the left is Bill Clarke, next to him is Max O’Haloran. William (Bill) Clarke was President of the Servicemen’s Club from 1992 - 96. Max O’Haloran was President of the Club 1991 - 2, he was also President of the Bendigo RSL on two occasions. Refer Cat No's 8073P, 8171 & 8230.2.1) Photograph colour showing the front of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club, a ballon is showing overhead. .2) photograph colour showing an advertisement for some of the Clubs attractions. .3) & .4) photographs colour shows the same two men from different angles in front of the Servicemen’s Club.brsl, smirsl, bdsc -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - SERVICEMAN'S CLUB, C.1994
These 3 images show the new renovations to the bar, dining area of the Bendigo District Servicemen’s Club in early 1994. Refer Cat No's 8073P, 8171 & 8230.2.1) - .3) Photographs colour showing the Bar and 2 areas of the newly renovated bar and meals area of the Servicemen’s Club.brsl, smirsl, bdsc -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Lt McLean
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps Sister Lt Desley McLean wheeling a patient from triage to the surgical ward at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam. The quick transfer of patients from theatre to wards made way for other casualties.photograph, royal australian army nursing corps, lt desley mclean, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, triage, surgical ward, wounded serviceman -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, On The beach
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of two patients from the 1st Australian Field Hospital, taken to the beach by the hospital Red Cross staff to soak up the sun as a part of their rehabilitation.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, red cross, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, wounded serviceman, rehabilitation, back beach -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Red Cross Combi Van 1
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection.A black and white photograph of Diggers returning to the Red Cross Combi Van for the drive back to the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam. The recuperative benefit of these trips to the beach was a major part of the treatment of the diggers.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, red cross, combi van, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, diggers, wounded serviceman, vung tau, rehabilitation -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbon, Denis, Prep For Surgery 3
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Sister June Minchow, assisted by a medical officer and a medic, discussing a problem as she prepares a patient for surgery in the triage at the 1st Australian Field Hospital.photograph, capt june minchow, medic, medical officer, 1st australian field hospital, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, wounded serviceman, triage, vung tau -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, American Helicopter Pilot 2
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph taken at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, where the Medic Corporal Alex Berry assists the anaesthetist in preparing an American helicopter pilot for the theatre after he was shot down over South Vietnam.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, medic, cpl alex (chuck) berry, american pilot, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, wounded serviceman, doctors, nurses -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Capt Fay Lewis
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of Nursing Sister Capt Fay Lewis moving a triage trolley as a medical officer and two medics resusitate a Digger at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam. The digger is laying on his side to ease his back injury.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, capt fay lewis, medical officer, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, medics, digger, wounded serviceman -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Wg Cdr Alan Beech 1
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph in triage at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam. Wing Audio, CDr Alan Beech watches along with the hospital Matron Maj Nell Espie, as a triage team resusitates a wounded Digger prior to carrying out surgery.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, wg audio, cdr alan beech, maj nell espie (matron), digger, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, wing audio, triage, surgery, doctors, nurses, wounded serviceman -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Photograph, Gibbons, Denis, Gough Whitlam 1
Denis Gibbons (1937 – 2011) Trained with the Australian Army, before travelling to Vietnam in January 1966, Denis stayed with the 1st Australian Task Force in Nui Dat working as a photographer. For almost five years Gibbons toured with nine Australian infantry battalions, posting compelling war images from within many combat zones before being flown out in late November 1970 after sustaining injuries. The images held within the National Vietnam Veterans Museum make up the Gibbons Collection. A black and white photograph of the Commanding Officer Lt Col Ray Hurley standing by as the leader of the Labour Opposition in the Australian Parliament, Mr Gough Whitlam, talks with a patient at the 1st Australian Field Hospital, Vung Tau, South Vietnam.photograph, 1st australian field hospital, vung tau, lt col ray hurley, gough whitlam, gibbons collection catalogue, denis gibbons, photographer, vietnam war, labour opposition australian government, wounded serviceman -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, McCain, John, Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir (Copy 2), 2008
Senator John McCain leaned about life from his grandfather and father, both admirals in the US Navy. Their careers and their courage helped prepare McCain for the biggest challenge of his life when , as a naval aviator, he was shot down over Hanoi In 1967, and seriously injured. When his captors realised McCain's family background, they offered him early release. McCain refused the offer and was subsequently tortured, held in solitary confinement, and imprisioned for more that five years (the longest in US military history).Senator John McCain leaned about life from his grandfather and father, both admirals in the US Navy. Their careers and their courage helped prepare McCain for the biggest challenge of his life when , as a naval aviator, he was shot down over Hanoi In 1967, and seriously injured. When his captors realised McCain's family background, they offered him early release. McCain refused the offer and was subsequently tortured, held in solitary confinement, and imprisioned for more that five years (the longest in US military history). john mccain, united states. congress. senate -- biography., vietnam war, 1961 - 1975, personal narratives, american, naval aviator, hanoi, wounded serviceman, solitary confinement, prision of war -
National Vietnam Veterans Museum (NVVM)
Book, McCain, John, Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir (Copy 1), 2008
Senator John McCain leaned about life from his grandfather and father, both admirals in the US Navy. Their careers and their courage helped prepare McCain for the biggest challenge of his life when , as a naval aviator, he was shot down over Hanoi In 1967, and seriously injured. When his captors realised McCain's family background, they offered him early release. McCain refused the offer and was subsequently tortured, held in solitary confinement, and imprisioned for more that five years (the longest in US military history).Senator John McCain leaned about life from his grandfather and father, both admirals in the US Navy. Their careers and their courage helped prepare McCain for the biggest challenge of his life when , as a naval aviator, he was shot down over Hanoi In 1967, and seriously injured. When his captors realised McCain's family background, they offered him early release. McCain refused the offer and was subsequently tortured, held in solitary confinement, and imprisioned for more that five years (the longest in US military history).john mccain, united states. congress. senate -- biography., vietnam war, 1961 - 1975, personal narratives, american, naval aviator, hanoi, solitary confinement, us navy, wounded serviceman