United States Navy Admiral, U.S. Senator. A member of the Republican Party, he served the State of Alabama in the United States Senate from 1981 until 1987. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, he enlisted with the United States Navy in 1946 and, during his more-than 30-years of service, he attained the rank of Rear Admiral. Denton, an experienced test pilot, was shot down during a mission in Vietnam on July 18, 1965. He was captured by North Vietnamese forces and, for the next seven years and seven months, he lived in horrid conditions where he was constantly tortured. In 1966, he appeared on television and through sheer bravery, Denton was able to spell out the word "torture" by blinking in Morse Code. This gave Americans a first-hand view of the physical and mental suffering of a POW. His ordeal finally ended in 1973. Denton was awarded a Navy Cross. He co-penned (with Ed Brandt) his Vietnam experiences in the book, "When Hell Was in Session," which was published in 1976. It was made into an acclaimed TV-movie with Hal Holbrook portraying Admiral Denton.
United States Navy Admiral, U.S. Senator. A member of the Republican Party, he served the State of Alabama in the United States Senate from 1981 until 1987. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, he enlisted with the United States Navy in 1946 and, during his more-than 30-years of service, he attained the rank of Rear Admiral. Denton, an experienced test pilot, was shot down during a mission in Vietnam on July 18, 1965. He was captured by North Vietnamese forces and, for the next seven years and seven months, he lived in horrid conditions where he was constantly tortured. In 1966, he appeared on television and through sheer bravery, Denton was able to spell out the word "torture" by blinking in Morse Code. This gave Americans a first-hand view of the physical and mental suffering of a POW. His ordeal finally ended in 1973. Denton was awarded a Navy Cross. He co-penned (with Ed Brandt) his Vietnam experiences in the book, "When Hell Was in Session," which was published in 1976. It was made into an acclaimed TV-movie with Hal Holbrook portraying Admiral Denton.
Bio by: C.S.
Inscription
REAR ADMIRAL - UNITED STATES NAVY
AVIATOR - PRISONER OF WAR - SENATOR - HUMANITARIAN
Faith - Duty - Courage - Honor
Under Difficult Circumstances
Family Members
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