The American flag flies at half-mast in front of the FUSD building in memory of Arizona Senator John McCain, who died on August 25 of glioblastoma, four days short of his 82nd birthday. McCain was flying his 23rd bombing mission over North Vietnam when his A-4E Skyhawk was shot down over Hanoi. He fractured both arms and a leg when he ejected from the aircraft and parachuted into Truc Back Lake. He was captured by the North Vietnamese and transported to Hanoi’s main prison, the “Hanoi Hilton”. He was a prisoner of war for five and half years until his release on March 14, 1973. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal (3), Purple Heart, Legion of Merit (2), Distinguished Flying Cross and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), along with other honors. His Senate career spanned from 1983 until his time of death.