Jeremiah Denton: Ex-senator and Vietnam POW who blinked "torture" in Morse code

Jeremiah Denton, a prisoner of war, declared his allegiance to the United States government during a 1966 interview for a propaganda film.

However, his enraged captors missed his more covert message: "T-O-R-T-U-R-E" flashed into the camera in Morse code, alerting the U.S. military to the torturous conditions he endured.

Denton, survived seven and a half years in a tiny, stinking, windowless cell at the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" and other camps before being released in 1973.

Jeremiah Denton's father went on to become the first Republican senator from Alabama since Reconstruction. Nevertheless, his determination and resilience, which helped him endure the difficult conditions of captivity, were seen by some as making him an inflexible politician.

Early Life and Military Career

Jeremiah Denton was born on July 15, 1924, in Mobile, Alabama. He grew up in a devoutly Catholic family and attended McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile. After graduating from high school, Denton enrolled at the University of Alabama, where he earned a bachelor's degree in 1946. He then entered the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1947.

Denton began his naval career as a fighter pilot, serving on active duty during the Korean War. He flew over 100 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for his service. Denton continued his education while in the military, earning a master's degree in international relations from George Washington University in 1964.

In addition to his service in Korea, Denton also served as a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. On July 18, 1965, his A-6 Intruder aircraft was shot down over North Vietnam, and he was taken prisoner by the North Vietnamese.

Prisoner of War

Denton spent over seven years in captivity in North Vietnam, during which time he was subjected to brutal torture and mistreatment. He was held in solitary confinement for most of his captivity, and was frequently beaten, starved, and denied medical treatment. Despite these conditions, Denton remained committed to his country and his fellow prisoners of war.

He communicated with other prisoners using a variety of covert methods, including tapping on walls and roofs, and developed a system of communication using Morse code.

Denton's Morse code;

Denton became known for his resilience and defiance in the face of his captors' brutality. In addition to his famous blinking of the word "torture" during a propaganda video, he also gave a televised interview in 1966 in which he spoke out against the North Vietnamese government and called for an end to the war.

His words became a rallying cry for the anti-war movement in the United States, and he became a symbol of the courage and sacrifice of American prisoners of war.

After his release from captivity in 1973, Denton continued to serve in the Navy, retiring in 1977 with the rank of Rear Admiral. He then entered politics, running for and winning a seat in the U.S. Senate from Alabama in 1980.

Denton as Politician

After retiring from the Navy, Jeremiah Denton entered politics, running for and winning a seat in the U.S. Senate from Alabama in 1980.

As a conservative Republican, Denton was known for his commitment to national defense and military veterans. He served in the Senate until 1987, but faced several challenges during his time in politics, including partisan gridlock and opposition to his conservative views.

Despite these challenges, Denton remained committed to his principles and continued to advocate for his beliefs throughout his political career.

Jeremiah Denton Dies

Jeremiah Denton passed away on March 28, 2014, at the age of 89. He died of complications from a heart ailment at a hospice center in Virginia. Following his death, many politicians and military leaders paid tribute to Denton for his courage and dedication to his country, both during his military service and his time in politics.

Denton's legacy continues to inspire and influence people today, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve their country in times of war and peace.