BRADENTON, Fla. -- As people across the nation watched Senator John McCain's funeral, a Bradenton man reflected on his time in captivity with McCain in Vietnam.

Brad Smith is a POW who was captured a year and a half before McCain when his plane was shot down. The pair later became friends.

Inside his new home, Smith watched McCain's funeral and looked through old photo albums, speaking about how he'll remember the late Senator.

"He was always true to his country and to his commitments and he deserves it as much as anybody else ever would," said Smith, speaking about the ceremonies held this week to honor his life. He went on to say, "I have a lot of respect for John. We were on a first name basis. I had known John since 1963."

Smith was the first prisoner of war to return to Florida. Months after that, the pair met again as they continued to serve the country.

"We were both assigned to the same squadron in Jacksonville," said Smith.

Eventually McCain moved on to politics and Smith stayed in the Navy. They kept in touch throughout the years when they would get together for POW reunions.

While in captivity, the men would communicate with one another through their cell walls by knocking in code. This was referenced by Meghan McCain at her father's funeral.

Smith says he'll always remember McCain for his commitment to the country.

"Our motto coming out of Vietnam as prisoners of war - above all else - was return with honor. And John was part of that," said Smith. He went on to say, "Highly respected. I thought a lot of him. He had good leadership qualities. He’s a people person - easy to get along with. Loved to talk to people."