Major General Maurice Rose is the most decorated battle tank commander in American history. After moving to Denver in 1902 at age four, Rose was raised in the city as part of a prominent Jewish family. Even as a child, Maurice knew he wanted to be a soldier. Rose dropped out of Denver East High School to formally begin his career in the army at age 17. After serving with valor in World War I, Rose attended various military schools before requesting placement in an armored regiment prior to World War II.  

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As commander of the Third Armored Division during World War II, General Rose was known for his aggressive, hands-on leadership. With Rose leading the charge at the front of his men, the Third Armored spearheaded Allied action in Europe. The division accomplished a series of impressive firsts: they were the first American division to cross the German border, the first to capture a German town, and the first to capture a major German city. 

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General Rose was killed in action on March 30, 1945 while leading his troops towards Berlin. He was the highest ranking American officer to be killed in the European theater of World War II.