Honoring former Senator and Rear Admiral Jeremiah Andrew Denton, Jr. 

Honoring former Senator and Rear Admiral Jeremiah Andrew Denton, Jr. Whereas Jeremiah Andrew Denton, Jr. (referred to in this preamble as Senator Denton Whereas Senator Denton married Kathryn Jane Maury in 1946 and had 7 children with her before she passed away in 2007; Whereas Senator Denton is survived by his second wife, Mary Belle Bordone, and his children, Jeremiah A. Denton III, William C. Denton, Donald A. Denton, James S. Denton, Michael C. Denton, Madeleine D. Doak, and Mary D. Lewis; Whereas Senator Denton had a distinguished military career as a Naval Aviator (1) receiving credit in 1957 as the architect of the Haystack Concept (2) serving in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; (3) providing significant support during the Cuban Missile Crisis as the Commander of the Guantanamo Defense Force; (4) receiving awards that include the Navy Cross, the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, 3 Silver Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross, 5 Bronze Stars, 2 Air Medals, 2 Purple Hearts, and numerous combat theater and campaign awards; (5) retiring in 1977 at the rank of Rear Admiral after serving as Commandant of the Armed Forces Staff College; and (6) being inducted into the Alabama Military Hall of Honor in 2003; Whereas Senator Denton was shot down on July 18, 1965, while leading a squadron of 28 A-6 Intruders on his twelfth mission over North Vietnam and spent the next 7 years and 7 months as a prisoner of war in North Vietnamese prison camps, including the Hanoi Hilton Whereas despite extreme hardship, Senator Denton was revered by his fellow prisoners and maintained a chain of command that lasted throughout his imprisonment and helped prisoners of war stick together in resistance against abuse from their captors; Whereas in a televised propaganda interview released by the North Vietnamese in 1966, Senator Denton became a national hero when he answered the questions of his interviewer and simultaneously blinked the letters T-O-R-T-U-R-E Whereas after returning to the United States, Senator Denton had a successful legislative career, becoming in 1980 the first Republican elected to the Senate from Alabama since the Reconstruction Era, maintaining a strong conservative record, and working tirelessly with President Ronald Reagan to combat the rise of Communism in Latin America; Whereas Senator Denton was particularly proud of the Denton Program Whereas in 2007, the National Archives designated Senator Denton as 1 of the 25 most influential men in United States history; and Whereas the life of service of Senator Denton should serve as an example to all people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That (1) the Senate (A) has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Jeremiah Andrew Denton, Jr., former member of the Senate; (B) honors the legacy and service of the former Senator and retired Rear Admiral, Jeremiah Andrew Denton Jr. (referred to in this resolution as Senator Denton (C) extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of Senator Denton who have lost an inspiring leader and confidant; (D) honors the dauntless valor of Senator Denton, beloved son of Alabama, for his dedication and life of selfless service to the people of the United States; (E) recognizes that Senator Denton was a champion for humanitarian aid and international assistance programs through his legislative work and initiatives; (F) reiterates the resolute character of Senator Denton as a paragon of bravery who lived a life of honor guided by his values and commitment to the defense of the United States; (G) expresses admiration and profound respect for the legacy of Senator Denton as a truly courageous and inspirational leader; and (H) directs the Secretary of the Senate to communicate this resolution to the House of Representatives and transmit an enrolled copy thereof to the family of the deceased; and (2) when the Senate adjourns today, it will stand adjourned as a further mark of respect for the memory of the Honorable Jeremiah Andrew Denton, Jr.

Summary: Declares that the Senate: (1) has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Jeremiah Andrew Denton, Jr., former Member of the Senate; (2) honors the legacy and service of the former Senator and retired Rear Admiral for his life of loyalty, duty, integrity, and moral sincerity; (3) extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to his family and friends who have lost an inspiring leader and confidant; (4) honors the dauntless valor of Senator Denton, beloved son of Alabama, for his dedication and life of selfless service to the people of the United States; (5) recognizes that Senator Denton was a champion for humanitarian aid and international assistance programs through his legislative work and initiatives; (6) reiterates his resolute character as a paragon of bravery who lived a life of honor guided by his values and commitment to the defense of the United States; and (7) expresses admiration and profound respect for his legacy as a truly courageous and inspirational leader. Declares that when the Senate adjourns on March 31, 2014, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect for the memory of Senator Denton.