海军约翰麦凯恩从小受到父亲的影响,报读了海军军校。但在某次执行任务的时候被越南军方俘虏成为阶下囚。麦凯恩背负着父辈们长久以来对自己的期望,以坚强的意志和信念度过了这段艰苦的岁月。John McCain is a poor student, except at wrestling, but toughs it out in Annapolis at the US Naval Academy with the goal of becoming a career naval officer like his father and grandfather, who were both admirals. Love at first sight leads to a marriage and children with Carole. During the Vietnam War, he's shot down and captured by the Vietcong, who torture American POWs. He resists years of torture and misery, only breaking once due to his busted limbs, and eventually returning home after five and one half years in captivity.