Not for his service — he was sort of a flying Gomer Pyle. Soldiers (or cops or firefighters) are not inherently heroes when doing their jobs.
But for his integrity in staying imprisoned with his brothers in arms when offered a walk-out. THAT was heroic.
Being motivated strictly from the standpoint of helping his brothers is one thing, but it is also clear that if he had taken the easy way out because he was the son of an Admiral, he would have been viewed as a dirtbag and traitor to his fellow prisoners. Therefore, he did not not have a realistic way out.
But for his integrity in staying imprisoned with his brothers in arms when offered a walk-out. THAT was heroic.................................. I wonder if Admiral Stockton may have had something to do about that? McCain was a VIP POW and maybe he was told “you better stick with the guys, we either go as a group or we don’t go”.
Especially since, from Admiral Stockdale (the senior officer in charge present at Hanoi Hilton) ORDERED all the men there not to accept early release. “We all go together”.
So, no, McCain nor anyone else following orders in this instance were heroes. There is a list of Vietnam POWs who were awarded the Medal of Honor— and THEY ARE heroes.
Simply put- heroes are recognized.
There was a post here on FR that said McCain really didn’t have a choice about leaving early. The highest ranking officer at the POW camp told the prisoners that they would all leave together. One person did go early. He had the task of memorizing the names and identification of all aviators held at the camp so he could report their whereabouts. McCain really had no choice.
As a senator McCain has done nothing for veterans. He betrayed the MIA’s who we left behind in Vietnam.