So for what good reason do you consider a citation by Air Force Magazine or P.O.W more credible than the sources in North Vietnam, Spain, Cuba, or the Soviet Union that contradict them? Does nationalism count as a good reason?
This is why I consider it unknowable. Both sides have what they consider to be good reasons to lie.
We know McCain was injured in both arms during the escape from his aircraft. We have no unexplainable injuries that simply must be the result of torture.
That said I give McCain the same benefit of the doubt I give anyone who is incarcerated and assume he is telling the truth but I harbor no delusions about it being proved beyond a reasonable doubt. American's have lied about such things in the past and will probably continue to do so in the foreseeable future leaving reasonable doubt open. Nothing terribly much is gained in doubting his story however any more than doubting the story of any other prisoner who reports to have been tortured.
John Thornton