By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Former U.S. Senator, and Vietnam War P.O.W. Jeremiah Denton has died.
On Friday, March 28 Terry Lathan the Chair of the Mobile Republican wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I share with you that our sweet friend, hometown hero, and mentor Admiral and former United States Senator Jeremiah Denton is slowly inching closer to be in the one place he most loved and talked about everyday in his life…a place beside his Heavenly Father. His health is quickly failing him but he is comfortable with his family around him. At this time the family is respecting the love and honor we all have for “Jerry” and asks to allow this beautiful process to take place as quietly as possible. The greatest thing you can do for Admiral Denton and his family is pray for a peaceful and triumphant entry into heaven while remembering his earthly friends and family. We will post updates as they are given out. Let’s just all love him to the One who loves him the most.”
Jeremiah Denton was a navy aviator who was shot down during the Vietnam War and was made a prisoner of war by the North Vietnamese. Denton detailed the ill treatment inflicted on him and other American prisoners of war in his book, When Hell Was in Session.
Admiral Denton wrote, “A man does a lot of praying in an enemy prison. Prayer, even more than sheer thought, is the firmest anchor.”
Denton would eventually be freed, returned to the Navy and then successfully ran for the U.S. Senate in 1980 becoming the first Republican elected to the Senate from Alabama in over 100 years. Sen. Denton was defeated in his bid for re-election in 1986 by then Congressman Richard Shelby, who was then a Democrat.
Today U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R) the following statement on the passing of Jeremiah A. Denton, retired Navy Rear Admiral and former U.S. Senator from Alabama:
“Admiral Denton will be long remembered for his service to America. He was a war hero, an honorable senator, and a family man who cared deeply about his country. I send my deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time.”
