Were they calling him a Hero back when he returned or only after a little revisionist history?
I think he had to be a gutless wonder in the Senate for 20 years before he somehow magically achieved post facto hero status.....
Some of the most famous POWs said McCain was a hero
after capture and severe injuries, he was offered an early release (the NVA thought that having the son of the Pacific Fleet Commander released early would break the spirit of the other POWs). McCain refused and was thrown into solitary for another 4 years.