Personal Essay Sample about Hero: Jeremiah Denton
Everybody has a sort of role model or somebody they admire. Many call these people a hero to them. But what makes someone a hero? It’s not an exact science, but I think a hero is someone who sacrifices their health or wellbeing for a good cause. A hero has a strong moral compass, and is an inspiration to others. While you’re reading this, I’m sure somebody you know or have heard about it comes to mind. When I think of a hero, one of the first people I think about is Navy veteran Jeremiah Denton. I think this to be true because of his displays of determination, wits, and motivational skills.
Of all the traits of heroes, collectively, one trait that is present across the board is the first I mentioned, willpower, whether that be physically, mentally, or both. Denton is a shining example of undying determination. When his A-6 Intruder, the aircraft he was piloting, would be shot down during the Vietnam War in enemy lines and he was taken prisoner in Hanoi, he risked death multiple times to keep America safe. He was beaten brutally and tortured daily for information about the military, but nevertheless, he would lie or downright refuse every time. This is evidence of the ultimate will.
Other characteristics Denton displays is the ability to think on his feet and being a kind hearted person. One infamous example of Denton’s wits is when he was during his time as a Prisoner Of War, when he is brought onto television which would be broadcasted to the U.S., he is told by a Vietnamese soldier he must give up military secrets on camera. He used fake names like Clark Kent and blinked out “TORTURE” in morse code. Denton’s peers back in the United States picked up on this and worked to help rescue him from Hanoi. A few examples that show his kind heart is that he would work tirelessly past his physical limit to keep the fellow POWs healthy. When another American was sick in the prison camp, Jeremiah would take up their chores and do it for them so the sick men could rest and they wouldn’t be beaten.
The last quality I can name about Jeremiah that is common among heroes is the ability to always motivate and inspire the people around him to fight for what is right. During his time as a prisoner, he often tapped Morse Code on the walls to the other trapped Americans, giving them words of encouragement and devising plans to escape or fight back. He often inspired the other Americans to fight back against their captors! Once, he even negotiated with the Vietnamese to allow each American to have one thing each that they ask for for Christmas! This boosted the American’s morale and inspired them greatly, and the ability to lead and inspire is an important and common trait of a hero.
In my opinion, Denton is a great person, with the ability to stay on track no matter what, think quickly, help others, and motivate! In conclusion, there are a number of heroes out there, but one prime example is this veteran. He has many admirable attributes and morals that he conducted himself by and led others by.
