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Admiral Jim Stockdale's experience as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War exemplifies profound resilience under extreme circumstances. Enduring torture over 20 times and facing uncertain survival, he emerged as a steadfast leader among fellow inmates, determined to foster conditions that would maximize their chances of survival. Stockdale employed creative tactics, such as deliberately disfiguring himself to resist his captors' propaganda efforts and establishing a secret communication network to alleviate the sense of isolation among prisoners. His ability to maintain a focus on both hope and reality allowed him to transform a brutal ordeal into a defining moment of strength and leadership.