Heroic Texas Congressman Sam Johnson has endorsed John McCain for President. Johnson, who served as a Prisoner of War in Vietnam, like McCain, called McCain a "stand-up American who will boldly lead our country forward." Here is the press release issued by the McCain campaign:

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Texas Congressman and former Vietnam War POW, Sam Johnson, has endorsed John McCain for president.

"John's legacy of service, his love for America, his reputation as a reformer, and his hope for a better tomorrow clearly set him head and shoulders above the Democrats running for president," said Congressman Johnson. "John's beliefs are the cornerstones of all that make America great -- freedom and free-enterprise. He's a stand-up American who will boldly lead our country forward. I am proud to endorse him for president."

John McCain thanked Congressman Johnson, saying, "I have the utmost respect for Sam's courageous service to our great nation. He was brutally tested and stood strong, serving as an inspiration to those of us held captive in Hanoi. I am proud to count him as a friend and humbled to have his support."

Congressman Johnson represents Texas' 3rd District. He serves on the Ways and Means Committee and is the Ranking Member on the Social Security Subcommittee. He returned home to Texas after serving in the U.S. Air Force for 29-years. He flew combat missions in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was a Prisoner of War in Hanoi for nearly seven years. He is a decorated combat veteran and has been awarded two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, and three Outstanding Unit Awards.

After his distinguished military career, Congressman Johnson started a home-building business and served in the Texas legislature before being elected to the United States House of Representatives. He grew up in Dallas and graduated from SMU. Congressman Johnson and his wife Shirley are proud parents of three children and grandparents to ten.

Here are some remarks about his captivity in Vietnam that Rep. Sam Johnson shared in a speech several years ago. Among other things, he talks about his experience of spending 72 days in leg stocks:

Let me just tell you a couple of stories that happened to me while I was a POW because I think they are insightful.

One, when I was first shot down, I landed right in the middle of a whole division of North Vietnamese troops. My back-seater and I both got out and we were captured immediately.  read more »