A family’s quest for a hero’s ‘war chest’

A couple dressed in Michigan gear sits at a table strewn with World War II artifacts discovered in a relative's war chest. There are photos, documents, packets of telegrams, medals, and more.

From undisclosed honors to covert operations, the valiant military exploits of Colonel Kenneth Kreps were veiled in secrecy until a fateful discovery by his descendants. Witness the unveiling of a World War II hero’s saga as his family unpacks a long-lost treasure trove of historic memorabilia.

  1. Echolocating bats and whales share molecular mechanism

    Over the course of evolution, bats and whales acquired echolocation abilities independently, for use in very different environments, so you’d expect the means by which each accomplishes the feat to differ. But a new U-M study suggests that at the microscopic level, the molecular structures for both species are very similar. It’s a striking discovery that overturns conventional thinking in evolution.

  2. Lullabye, in a test tube

    Gently rocking embryos while they grow during in vitro fertilization (IVF) improves pregnancy rates in mice by 22 percent, new University of Michigan research shows. The procedure could one day lead to significantly higher IVF success rates in humans.

  3. Sustainable mobility

    Automakers at the 2010 North American International Auto Show have big hopes for their new vehicles—hipper, more fuel-efficient, environmentally sound cars.

  4. Bar Scene at the Del Rio, October 1994

    The Del Rio: Hippie hotbed

    Second home to radicals, hipsters, jazz lovers, rock stars, nudists, DetBurgers, giant burritos and the Midwest’s most hostile waitstaff, the Del Rio bar embodied countercultural Ann Arbor—until it finally outlived its times and closed. In this book excerpt, the Del’s former owner Ernie Harburg remembers when Ann Arbor was a very different place.

  5. Top sports moments of the decade

    What were the biggest games, the most impressive performances, the best Wolverine teams of the ’00s? Sportswriter John U. Bacon makes his picks. What are yours?

    Plus: David Brandon named U-M athletic director.

  6. Back to his roots

    After graduation, Karl Rosaen moved from Michigan to Silicon Valley, where he worked on the now-famous Google Android phone. So when he wanted to start his own high tech firm, where did he go? Back home to Michigan, of course. A story about hope for a new economy.

Commemorating an exceptional presidency

Fifty years ago, at a time of great division and turbulence in the U.S., Gerald R. Ford was sworn in as the 38th president of the United States. President Ford’s legacy is very much alive at the Ford School of Public Policy. This slideshow is inspired by the school’s recent tribute, “A life of public service,” in the Spring 2024 issue of State & Hill magazine. As noted by the editors, the values that distinguished Ford remain highly relevant to policy students today: his lifelong commitment to principled public service, his integrity, and his ability to connect across differences to forge consensus.

  • For the love of the game

    Long before he became a politician, Gerald Ford, born Leslie Lynch King, was an avid sports fan. He played on the Grand Rapids South High School football, basketball, and track teams before playing college football for the University of Michigan. During his senior season, Ford was a starting center and team MVP. (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library, Michigan Athletics.)

    Gerald Ford as a U-M football player crouches with hands on knees.

  • The team, the team, the team

    As a Michigan Wolverine, Ford developed a strong relationship with fellow teammate, Willis Ward (No. 61). As one of the few students of color at the time, Ward experienced no small amount of racial prejudice. Read about the bond shared by Ford and Willis in “Lonely as Hell” at heritage.umich.edu. (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library, Rentschler’s Studio Photograph Collection.)

    Members of the 1934 Wolverines football team, featuring future president Gerald Ford and black teammate Willis Ward.

  • Retiring No. 48

    After earning his law degree and getting elected to Congress in 1948, Ford went on to serve for 25 years in the House of Representatives, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. His jersey No. 48 was retired in 1994 (here) and then re-retired at Michigan’s rivalry matchup against Ohio State in 2015. (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library, Robert Kalmbach Collection.)

    Gerald R. Ford family at Michigan Stadium as the University retires his jersey, No. 48.

  • Trust and fellowship

    Despite winning the Republican nomination for president in 1976, Ford lost the election to Democrat and former Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter. Prioritizing a smooth transition of power, the pair developed a close working relationship, so much so that President Carter delivered President Ford’s eulogy on Jan. 3, 2007. In his inaugural address Carter stated, “For myself and for our nation, I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land.” (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library.)

    Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford share a stage; Ford at the podium as Carter, seated, looks on.

  • Leaders and best

    At Crisler Arena in fall 1976, legendary Wolverines announcer Bob Ufer presented Ford with a No. 1 Michigan sweater to mark his presidential campaign against Jimmy Carter. Ford lost narrowly to the Democrat. (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library, Robert Kalmbach Collection.)

    Gerald Ford and Bob Ufer. at Crisler Arena.

  • Michigan man

    Ford attended Yale Law School, served as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was elected for 13 terms in the House of Representatives before ascending to the Oval Office. However, he made it clear that he never forgot his time at U-M. Harboring a special connection with its football program, he returned numerous times to give advice based on his life experiences both on and off the field. (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library, Michigan Athletics.)

    A newspaper image of President Gerald Ford interacting with Michigan football players. Headline reads "President Mingles with Wolverines."

  • From president to professor

    Upon the completion of his term as U.S. president, Ford returned to U-M as an adjunct professor of political science, lecturing in Angell Hall, Rackham Auditorium, and Lane Hall. This shot comes from 1977. (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library.)

    President Gerald Ford stands in front of a chalkboard in 1977, lecturing to a U-M class.

  • The man behind the merit

    Throughout his life, the Grand Rapids native was known not only as a gifted political, intellectual, and athletic personality, but as an honest, open, comic, and devoted friend and family man. He lived his life according to the motto instilled in him from childhood: “love of God, love of family, love of country.’’ (Image courtesy of U-M’s Bentley Historical Library.)

    Gerald Ford amid a crowd of U-M students.