ANN ARBOR, MI – The Thomas More Law Center, a national Christian legal advocacy group based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, today announced that Vietnam War hero and former U. S. Senator from Alabama—Admiral Jeremiah A. Denton, USN (Ret)—has been appointed Chairman of the Law Center’s Citizens Advisory Board. Admiral Denton commented upon acceptance of his appointment, “I can think of no greater honor and opportunity than to be chosen to succeed my dear friend Bowie Kuhn in this position. Like he did, I consider TMLC to be at the forefront of the desperately overdue movement to restore our nation’s indispensable founding values and legal standards.”
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center stated, “Admiral Denton represents everything good about America—a heroic patriot, a devoted husband, father, and a faithful Christian. He symbolizes everything the Law Center strives to be. We are honored that he would accept the position of ‘Chairman’ to replace another great Christian American patriot, Bowie Kuhn, who passed away in March of this year.”
Admiral Denton was a Vietnam POW for nearly eight years. Suffering severe mistreatment, he became the first U.S. military captive to be subjected to four years of solitary confinement. He first came to the public’s attention in 1966. After being tortured and threatened with more torture and even death if he did not “correctly” answer the questions posed, he was televised in front of Communist dignitaries with the purpose of having him admit to American atrocities. Instead, Denton replied, “Whatever the position of my government is, I believe it, I support it, and I will support it as long as I live.”
Admiral Denton has been a member of the Thomas More Law Center Citizens Advisory Board since 2005. He is responsible for developing the Law Center’s national strategy. He has served on the advisory board of many institutions including Christendom College, Franciscan University Steubenville and Thomas Aquinas College. He is the President and Founder of the Admiral Jeremiah Denton Foundation (AJDF) www.dentonfoundation.org. He and his wife, the former Jane Maury were born in Mobile, Alabama and they have seven children.
Brian Rooney, Director of Communications and Development had this to say, “As a Marine combat Veteran, I have always admired Admiral Denton. To me his character and courage was epitomized in a North Vietnamese televised interview, Admiral Denton feigning sensitivity to harsh camera lighting, looked into the camera lens and blinked his eyes in Morse Code spelling out the message ‘T-O-R-T-U-R-E.’ Thusly, he provided Naval Intelligence the first confirmation that American POWs in Vietnam were being tortured. Further, as spokesperson for the first group of returning POWs in1973, as he stepped from the plane he was asked to make a statement on behalf of the group. He turned to the microphones and said, ‘We are honored to have the opportunity to serve our country under difficult circumstances. We are profoundly grateful to our Commander-in-Chief and our nation for this day. God bless America.’”
Jeremiah A. Denton is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, the Armed Forces Staff College and the Naval War College. Admiral Denton retired from the Navy in 1977, and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980. In so doing, he became the first Republican ever elected by popular vote to represent Alabama. Denton is the recipient of many awards and honors including the Navy Cross, three Silver Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Purple Hearts.
Richard Thompson further commented, “One of my favorite memories of Admiral Denton is when he was honored by President Ronald Reagan.” Ronald Reagan in his 1982 State of the Union Address stated, “We don’t have to turn to our history books for heroes, they’re all around us.” The President looked into the audience and singled out Jeremiah Denton, “One who sits among you here tonight epitomized that heroism at the end of the longest imprisonment ever inflicted on men of our armed forces.”
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.