John McCain is a Vietnam War hero who is running part of his election campaign based on that military service. One would think that U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan would favor McCain over Barack Obama, who did not service in the military. One should think again.

The Center for Responsive Politics released an amazing study last week based on Federal Election Commission numbers that analyzed campaign donations to McCain and Obama from soldiers deployed overseas.

By a staggering six-to-one margin, the 292 soldiers serving abroad donated $60,642 to Obama and $10,665 to McCain. Another eye-opener: Ron Paul, the ardent anti-war candidate, also thumped McCain. Soldiers forked over $45,512 to the Texan.

Obama topped McCain in contributions received by the 2,991 total military personnel who are on the FEC’s books. The Illinois Senator got $335,536 from 859 soldiers. The Arizona Senator collected $280,513 from 558 troopers. Paul ranked No. 3 with $232,411 from 537 contributors.

The numbers show that the “boots on the ground” recognize the U.S. is stuck in a situation that cannot be won. The soldiers support Obama, a guy who opposed the invasion in Iraq, and wants the U.S. to withdraw according to a timetable of about 16 months. McCain wants to “stay the course” and once said the U.S. may remain in Iraq for 100 years. That is a loser, and rank and file soldiers know it.

The soldiers, sailors and airmen let their money do the talking. They want to end the bloody and messy Iraqi quagmire as soon as possible. It’s a pity their plea is not heard by the commander-in-chief.

(Photo: Fox News)