James Stockdale graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1947. His cousin, Robert Dunlap, earned the Medal of Honor in World War II. On August 4, 1964, Squadron Commander Stockdale was one of the U.S. pilots flying overhead during the second alleged attack of the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. On a mission over North Vietnam on September 9, 1965, Stockdale ejected from his A-4E Skyhawk, which had been disabled from anti-aircraft fire. He was interred as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam until his release on February 12, 1973. Debilitated by his captivity and mistreatment, Stockdale could hardly walk or even stand upright upon his return to the United States, which prevented his return to active flying status. Out of respect for his courage, and out of high regard for his intellect, the Navy kept him on the active list, steadily promoting him over the next few years before permitting him to retire as a Vice Admiral. In 1992 he was the Vice Presidential candidate for Third Party candidate H. Ross Perot.