Naturally, we can't speculate here on what did or did not happen, or on what should or should not happen. However, there are two very strong schools of thought on the actions of the pilot.

Give him a Medal - some think his abilities to land that stricken plane (even in China) should qualify him for an airmanship medal. Court Martial him - others believe that he should have either had the crew bail out or ditch the plane in the sea to be picked up by US Navy ships, and not allow all that highly secret electronic gear fall into the hands of the Chinese.