Who is the military hero Denver’s Rose Medical Center is named for?

When Maj. Gen. Maurice Rose, who lived in Denver, was killed in a World War II battle in Germany 78 years ago, his death and service to his country were front page news. Over the years, Rose’s stature and story dimmed from the public consciousnesses, but a newly dedicated memorial sculpture casts Rose, and his accomplishments, in a new light.

At the time of his death, on March 30, 1945, and in years that followed, Rose, who was raised the son of a rabbi, was the talk of Denver, as well as Jewish and military circles. His men loved him so dearly, they raised funds, along with local Jewish leaders, to build a hospital — The General Rose Memorial Hospital, now known as Rose Medical Center — to honor the general who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life on the battlefield. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower came to Denver twice in 1948 and 1949 to be involved in the dedication of Rose hospital.

As the years passed, however, the memory of Rose’s valor and sacrifice faded.