Joseph L. DeRose was born in Denver, Colorado to Joseph and Florence DeRose of 815 Jackson Street. His older brother, Major Dominic DeRose, also served in World War 2 in North Africa, Corsica, and Italy. His younger brother, Albert, was stationed in Hawaii. Joseph graduated from East High school, and was an engineering student at the University of Colorado when he enlisted in 1944. He joined the 10th Mountain Division, 85-G, shortly thereafter at Camp Swift. He had not married. He arrived in Italy with the 10th in January, 1945. He met up with his older brother, Dominic, who was stationed in Scandicci as an officer in charge of war prisoners, just outside of Florence. Also with the tenth was a young family relative, Fred Zarlengo 87-C. Joe and Fred shared several meals with Dominic before they moved up toward the battle of Riva Ridge and the Po valley the next month. Joe was 23 years old when he died by shell fire in the battle on Mt. della Torraccia, Italy on February 22, 1945. Fred died in battle on April 19. Joe served as a personal messenger and runner to Captain Otis Halverson (himself killed in action in April, 1945). Joe had voluntarily assisted in carrying litters with the wounded to the aid station during the battle on Torraccia. He received a purple heart and a presidential citation.