John McCain earned the endorsement of Gulf War commander Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf Wednesday.

Schwarzkopf, who with McCain in 2004 was openly critical of then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld over his handling of the Iraq war, said in a statement the Arizona senator "has served our country with honor in war and in peace."

"He has demonstrated the type of courageous leadership our country sorely needs at this time. For that reason, he has my complete support," he said.

McCain is in a tight race for the Republican presidential nomination, but most polls show him leading the pack following his wins in New Hampshire and South Carolina. He and his rivals are in Florida Wednesday ahead of the state's primary on Tuesday.

It is not clear whether Schwarzkopf will campaign with McCain, as former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has done.

McCain thanked Schwarzkopf in a statement, saying, "General Norman Schwarzkopf's distinguished lifetime of service and uncommon devotion to our nation has earned him the respect and admiration of the American people. I am honored by his support."