I think you have a very mistaken impression of heroism and of armed conflict.

Pilots and aircrew have won America's highest decorations for bravery in every conflict since the invention of the airplane. Eddie Rickenbacker, Pappy Boyington, Joe Foss, Richard Bong, Chuck Yeager, Ed Clausen, Randy Cunningham are examples.

Heroes take risks and make sacrifices for purposes higher than themselves. Not all POWs are heroes, but many are. I believe McCain to be one of them, but if not him, research USAF Capt Lance Sijan or RAdm Stockdale to refresh your memory.