Jeremiah A. Denton, Jr.: Vietnam War Hero

Author's Summary

T-O-R-T-U-R-E. As the television camera focused on his face, Commander Jeremiah Denton, a Prisoner of War, blinked this word in Morse Code over and over. He sent a message to the world from North Vietnam, while answering a reporter's questions. After the war, Rear Admiral Denton received the Navy Cross-not for this message-but for his answer to the reporter's question: "What do you think about your government's actions?" Knowing he would be tortured more,Denton said, "...whatever the position of my government, I agree with it. I support it. I will support it as long as I live!" Years later, he continued this vow by becoming a congressman from Alabamain the United States Senate.

MWSA Review

Jeremiah A. Denton, Jr. is a true American hero. Few are tested as he was when shot down over North Vietnam and imprisoned for seven years. That he survived is testament to the crucible he was forged in. Tortured repeatedly he was among a very small number of prisoners who fought back quietly in every way they could. They all shared a common desire, that being to live, but, they were willing to risk even life rather than submit.

A short simple telling of his life growing up, school, his popularity in school and ultimately his appointment to the Naval Academy. Life provides opportunities to each of us and we get to select how those choices become the foundation of who we are, he chose well.

Our schools need more books like this to educate a generation more divorced from war than those at the time of the Vietnam War. I hope Admiral Denton is personally telling his story to students of today. I would be proud to salute him; A true hero. 

Reviewed by: Jim Greenwald (2012)