Oct. 21, 2008

Frank Denius missed his first Texas Football home game in 63 years this past Saturday, Oct. 18. He had a pretty good excuse. Denius was in Dallas to accept the National Patriots Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

The National Patriots Award is the highest award the Congressional Medal of Honor Society can bestow upon an individual. The award is reserved for those persons who, through their life's work, have distinguished themselves as Americans dedicated to freedom and the ideals represented by the Society (which is composed solely of Medal of Honor winners).

Denius joins an elite company, as past National Patriots Award winners include Gen. Colin Powell, Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, President George H.W. Bush, and Bob Hope.

Denius became one of the 10 most decorated U.S. soldiers of the World War II European theater when he charged the beach at Normandy on D-Day more than 60 years ago at age 19. For his bravery and leadership while serving with the 30th Infantry Division in Normandy and supporting the 2nd Battalion, 120th Infantry in the Battle of the Bulge, he was awarded the Silver Star. Denius was wounded twice while in combat and received two Purple Hearts.

Soon after completing his service, Frank enrolled at The University of Texas where he earned degrees in both business and law and graduated in 1949.

The Texas Football special teams are called "The Special Forces" in honor of Denius. The Longhorns practice at Frank Denius Fields, the facility named in his honor.

The Longhorn Foundation and University of Texas Athletics congratulate Frank Denius on this distinguishing achievement.