The issue to be analysed surely is McCain's conceit that he is a hero because he refused repatriation. The article concedes that the Vietnamese could have sent him back without his permission but speculates that they didn't because it wasn't in their interest to do so. Sheer speculation. The point is, if they wanted to repatriate him they would have done so. His refusal, which would be expected of any honourable officer, was irrelevant.