University of Denver — All Stories — More Than A Headstone

A Life of Service and an Educator of Vision

Hason “Haas” Fujio Yanaga was born to Haishburo and Tamano Yanaga both of whom were Japanese immigrants to the United States, on August 21, 1926. Hason, the fifth boy of six that blessed the Yanaga home, grew up on a 160-acre farm near Fort Lupton, Colorado.

Campus Connections, Know Your EnemyJulianna BeckertOctober 4, 2025Nisei, World War II, Military Intelligence Unit, Japanese-American, Congressional Gold Medal, University of Denver, Education, G.I. Bill

Rule of Law

Earl Wettengel was born in Denver, Colorado in 1888. Before attending the University of Denver, evidence suggests that he went to high school at St. Francis De Sales in Denver, as in his later life he made several donations there. In his early life he also was a member of the Colorado National Guard, as indicated on his World War I draft card.

Campus ConnectionsEsteban GomezDecember 10, 2021University of Denver, St. Francis De Sales High School, Colorado National Guard, Denver District Attorney, Supreme Court of Colorado

A Jack of All Trades

When the United States entered World War II, thousands of men put their lives on hold and instead risked them to serve their country. Sherwin George Desens was one of these men, and his decision to enlist began a decades-long career of service that took him from the skies above Normandy down to a prison camp in his grandfather’s homeland.

Campus Connections, Lifetime of Service, Youth and WarEsteban GomezDecember 8, 2021University of Denver, The Clarion; Scroll and Torch Society, Beta Theta Phi, Sigma Delta Chi, Empress of Russia, Base Hospital Number Twenty Nine

Wartime Hospitality

When Jerome Andrew Jacobs was deployed, he spent months traveling on an odyssey that took him from a Christmas in Casablanca, through the Suez Canal, a train across India, before finally ending with his first flight to China.

Campus Connections, Youth and WarEsteban GomezOctober 13, 2021Regis College, University of Denver, Camp Abbot, 14th Air Force, Combat Engineer, Huhsien Airfield

Captain Al

After high school, Alivan Compton Rea would join the Colorado Air National Guard, the aerial militia and reserves for the Air Force. After a few years serving in the Guard, Al enlisted in the Air Force. He worked as an Instructor, a Military Policeman, a Toe Target Operator, and a Firefighter during his time in service.

Campus Connections, Lifetime of ServiceEsteban GomezOctober 11, 2021Berthoud Pass, Gates Rubber Company, Colorado Air National Guard, Air Force, Toe Target Operator, Raton Pass, Arenco, El Camino College, University of Denver, Martin Marietta, Chatfield State Park

A Teacher of Soldiers and Students

Master Gunner James Ralston Orris was a remarkable American. Serving his country in the Great War in the United States Army, he continued his contribution to this country by learning and educating others on the studies of Chemistry.

Campus Connections, Lifetime of ServiceEsteban GomezOctober 7, 2021World War I, University of Denver, DU, chemistry, civil engineering, master gunner

A Pilot’s Sacrifice

The stories of Vietnam War veterans are typically ignored in history, but this is not the case for Larry Branaugh. As the first service member from Thornton, Colorado to sacrifice his life in Vietnam, Larry has received significant recognition for his service, but beyond that, is remembered for his sense of duty and courage.

Campus Connections, Never ForgottenEsteban GomezNovember 10, 2020University of Denver, Vietnam War, Merritt Hutton High School, Aviation Warrant Officer Rotary Wing Aviator, 1st Cavalry Division, 11th Aviation Group, 229th Aviation Battalion, Quang Tri I Corps, Distinguished Flying Star, Bronze Star, Silver Star, Purple Heart, Thornton Veterans Memorial