“Prior to the Vietnam Conflict, violation of any of the above code elements could result in trial by Courts Martial. After learning of the atrocities inflicted on our personnel held prisoner in that action, it was determined that requiring strict compliance to such a demanding code was not always possible. It should stand as a guide to personal conduct but enforcement as a point of law is questionable”.
It is always possible and most POWs died instead of giving an inch to the North Vietnamese. Jimmy Carter, who’s son was a draft-dodger, changed the Code of Conduct to allow them to blab away if they are being tortured.
Most POWs resisted, but many signed confessions and were forced to make statements.