I am not sure if he was the ranking POW. LtCdr is equivalent to a Major (O-4). You may be thinking LtCol (O-5).
I am sure they tried to make an example of him after he refused them. It was pure revenge. I am surprised he survived. The bastards would not have answered to anyone had he died. And ten years later we had diplomatic relations with Vietnam. It's really pathetic.
Like I said, he has character and he made a heroic decision in Hanoi. That doesn't mean his other choices in life were of equal merit, or a guarantee that they will be of equal merit.
I disagree with McCain's liberal stand, and on a number of domestic and foreign policy judgments. I have no issues with his character, his bravery, his suffering or his patriotism.
Yes, I realize it is major. However, it was entirely possible that he was at various times the ranking person.