I remember a report that McCain being a POW was kept a high level government secret during the war. The government was affraid that if North Vietnam found out he was a son of a high ranking Navy Admiral he would be held for ransom. So much for his being offered early release. I also remember him admitting that he told the North Vietnamese every thing he knew about ship movements and aircraft flights. He stated he did this to stop the beatings. How many lives did this cost. When I was in the Navy that would have been a Court Martial charge followed be at least life in the Brig..