Description
First edition of The Real War, inscribed by President Richard Nixon to Admiral John S. McCain, Jr.
Octavo, 341pp. Red cloth, title in silver on spine. Stated “first printing” on copyright page with full number line. Toning to endpapers, embossed stamp of the McCain library on front free endpaper. In the publisher’s dust jacket, $12.50 retail price on front flap, light shelf wear, near fine copy. Inscribed on bookplate affixed to the half-title: “Richard Nixon for Admiral John McCain.”
In the story of the McCains we see the greatness of America. …men who have devoted their lives to this country… so that America could play its role of being the guardian of peace in the world. – Comments by President Nixon at the retirement ceremony of Admiral John S. McCain, Jr., September 1972. Admiral John McCain (1911-1981) served in the United States Navy for 45 years. He was the son of Admiral John S. McCain, Sr., a four-star admiral who commanded South Pacific aircraft operations in World War II, and the father of Senator John McCain. During the Vietnam War, Admiral McCain was Commander-in-Chief of all U.S. forces in the Vietnam theater and an ardent supporter of the Vietnamization policy of President Nixon. McCain retired in 1972 and died of a heart attack in 1981. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.