Did McCai break his code?

I spent 27+ years in the Army and the Air Force. It was a long time ago but I remember a code we had to take that stated we would do all we could to avoid capture by the enemy and all we could do to escape if possible. McCain ws in a POW camp at the same time I was serving. He was offered a release from the POW camp and declined it - was that not breaking the code? He claims he felt if he accepted the release it would send the wrong message to Americans; What if everyone decided to break the codes they took and ignored their responsibilities; how long would order and discipline continue?