Frank Denius Remembered

By Carolyn Krawczyk, Producer, Overheard with Evan Smith

I’m the new girl on the block at KLRU. I’ve been with the station a grand total of two weeks and am the new producer for Overheard with Evan Smith. I’m eagerly anticipating our new season and the fascinating conversations between Evan and the guests who appear on the show. They all have a story to tell.

During the course of my producing career, I’ve been fortunate to tell the stories of intriguing people from around the world – the Ethiopian mother who escaped persecution in her home country and sought safety with her Jewish family in Israel; the Silicon Valley entrepreneur who, as a college student, founded a company that went on to be worth billions of dollars; the teenage African American woman who bravely spoke of her rape through slam poetry. They all had a story to tell.

One of the most memorable stories I’ve had the honor of telling is that of Frank Denius. His story runs in a series of five films at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. Denius, a native Texan, was raised by his mother and grandparents in Athens, Texas. His grandfather shared with Frank his passion for sports, especially football, and Frank was hooked. After graduating from high school in 1942, Denius joined the ROTC, and attended two semesters at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. By that time, the world was boiling over in war and Denius was called to active duty.

On June 7, 1944 – the day after D-Day – Denius, as part of the 30th Infantry Division, waded ashore at Omaha Beach through a surf littered with dead bodies and damaged military equipment. He began the fight through France’s hedgerow country, and his leadership in knocking out a German position led to him being awarded his first Silver Star. Less than two months later, Denius was awarded his second Silver Star for calling in fire nearly non-stop for 72-hours at the Battle of Mortain.

By December 1944, his unit had fought their way to Belgium and took part in the brutal Battle of the Bulge. In one battle, Denius called for fire that repelled a German tank attack and was injured. He received a Purple Heart, and was awarded his third Silver Star. They pushed across Germany, and as they met the Russians at the Elbe River, the war for illustrious 30th Infantry Division was finally over. Denius returned home to Texas with an astonishing four Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts, one of the most highly decorated soldiers of World War II.

Using the GI Bill, he attended The University of Texas at Austin, and earned degrees in business and law. He became a highly respected attorney and practiced law for more than 50 years. He served his community on countless boards and councils, but his heart was never far from his beloved UT football team. In 60 years, he missed only seven games. The team’s practice facility is named in his honor, and his presence at the university is felt in many locations across campus.

On July 29, 2018, at the age of 93, Frank Denius drew his final breath. But his story and lasting impact will live on through his contributions to our community and country.

His story of service, sacrifice, loyalty and honor was one I was humbled to tell, and it’s a story that I’ll carry with me forever.