Fellow Vietnam POW to speak for McCain at convention

Retired Navy Capt. Rod Knutson has lived a quiet life in western Montana, far removed from his days as a Vietnam prisoner of war. But now he is stepping forward to share his story and support fellow POW John McCain in his bid to become the nation's next president.

Knutson will address Montana Republicans at their convention in Missoula on Friday and talk about his time in prisoner camps with McCain. Invited to speak by McCain's campaign, Knutson said he will vouch for the senator's heroism and courage.

"I very much believe that John McCain is the best selection," Knutson told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Thursday. "I am not a real active political junkie. I am just a plain old Montana citizen. I truly believe in what John is trying to do. I am totally convinced that he is the best man for the job."

Knutson, of Thompson Falls, has never been involved in the state Republican Party and considers himself a swing voter who leans Republican. Montana Republican Party officials say they were not even aware that someone who had spent time in a POW camp with McCain lived in the state.

"I am a low-key guy that doesn't like a lot of visibility," said Knutson, 69. "I kind of reluctantly consent to press interviews. I like my peace and quiet."

Knutson was a Navy pilot, like McCain, who was shot down over Vietnam. Knutson's F-4 jet went down in 1965, two years earlier than McCain, and the Billings native spent more than seven years in POW camps around north Vietnam. He was released from Hanoi in February 1973.

Knutson says he saw McCain in various camps and was subjected to torture like many others. Knutson said living through the conditions gives him a unique perspective and special insight into McCain.

"I feel I have some credibility when I talk about the sacrifices people make to protect our freedom," he said.

Knutson retired from the Navy after serving 32 years. He said he does not plan to stay active in the campaign, but may agree to more speaking engagements if it will help McCain.

Mccain's campaign said Thursday it wanted Knutson to address the crowd to highlight McCain's military service.

Although initially reluctant to do the speech, Knutson said he felt it was too important to decline.

"I have seen it firsthand, and John McCain has seen it firsthand," Knutson said. "When violence hits you and they take away your freedom and they start killing people, you don't ever want it to come to that. You want to be protected first in my opinion."

Knutson said he expects a little more attention now that he is speaking for McCain, but he says it will be worth it.

"My intention is to help people understand that this guy has been through something that took a lot of courage to get through, and because of that, he has a better understanding of the freedom we enjoy and what it takes to protect that," Knutson said.