FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: MAJ George E. Wahlen ~ January 27, 2014

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[Kathy in Alaska]

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~ Hall of Heroes ~

MAJ George E. Wahlen
All info and photos from this website.

           

George E. Wahlen (August 8, 1924 - June 5, 2009) was a retired United States Army Major who previously served with the United States Navy and was awarded the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. In 2004, President George W. Bush signed legislation authorizing the naming of the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City. As federal buildings cannot bear the name of a living person, Congress approved special legislation allowing for an exemption in the case of Wahlen.

At age 17, Wahlen was trained as an aircraft mechanic, and he worked at Hill Field in Utah, leading five other mechanics as crew chief for the United States Army Air Corps. He volunteered for the draft, hoping to work on aircraft, but became a Navy Corpsman. He volunteered for combat duty with the United States Marine Corps, and was attached to Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, and participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945. He was awarded the Medal Of Honor by President Harry S. Truman on October 5, 1945.

Wahlen spent nine months recovering from his wounds, before being discharged in December 1945. He later re-enlisted in the United States Army, where he served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired with the rank of Major after being awarded a Purple Heart and serving in all four branches of the United States Military. As a civilian he worked for over a decade with the Veteran's Administration, where he retired at the age of 59.

He is the subject of the book The Quiet Hero: The Untold Medal of Honor Story of George E. Wahlen at the Battle for Iwo Jima by Gary W. Toyn.

"If you were to ask my dad today, if he were here, he would say this is not about him. It's about the veterans who served everywhere, specifically those who did not return, that paid the ultimate sacrifice," said son Blake Wahlen


He passed on at the age of 84.  His burial was 12 June 2009.   On 18 June 2009 there was a large memorial held and attended by veterans of all ages. The main entrance to the George E Wahlen Medical Center as of 22 June 2009 was still draped in black banners to show mourning for such a wonderful yet humble person.

Rank and organization: Pharmacist's Mate Second Class, U.S. Navy, serving with 2d Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division.

Place and date: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands group, March 3, 1945.

Entered service at: Utah. Born: August 8, 1924, Ogden, Utah.

Citation:

    For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima in the Volcano group on 3 March 1945. Painfully wounded in the bitter action on 26 February, Wahlen remained on the battlefield, advancing well forward of the frontlines to aid a wounded marine and carrying him back to safety despite a terrific concentration of fire. Tireless in his ministrations, he consistently disregarded all danger to attend his fighting comrades as they fell under the devastating rain of shrapnel and bullets, and rendered prompt assistance to various elements of his combat group as required. When an adjacent platoon suffered heavy casualties, he defied the continuous pounding of heavy mortars and deadly fire of enemy rifles to care for the wounded, working rapidly in an area swept by constant fire and treating 14 casualties before returning to his own platoon. Wounded again on 2 March, he gallantly refused evacuation, moving out with his company the following day in a furious assault across 600 yards of open terrain and repeatedly rendering medical aid while exposed to the blasting fury of powerful Japanese guns. Stouthearted and indomitable, he persevered in his determined efforts as his unit waged fierce battle and, unable to walk after sustaining a third agonizing wound, resolutely crawled 50 yards to administer first aid to still another fallen fighter. By his dauntless fortitude and valor, Wahlen served as a constant inspiration and contributed vitally to the high morale of his company during critical phases of this strategically important engagement. His heroic spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming enemy fire upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
 

Links of interest

Click here for a YouTube video of MAJ Wahlen talking about his experiences!

Obituary from the LA Times.





Thank you, sir, for your service and sacrifice for our country!

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission!

And thanks, Biglook, for the heads up on this hero!

 

[luvie]

Great portrait of a hero, Galz! Thanks! (((hugs)))

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Mac...*HUGS*...how’s the weather today? Ice conditions for driving?

Did you get to BBQ today?

I put ice melt out yesterday and today and have scraped about half the drive down to the asphalt surface. I’m happy with my progress. Mid 40s during the day, now down to mid 30s. Think I’ll put more ice melt out later tonight.

[ConorMacNessa]

Will be back in a while - a little maintenance to perform.

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

O stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here, obedient to their command.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[SandRat]

This Gran-Pa is always ready.

[Kathy in Alaska]

In first....Mac grabs the gold!!

[luvie]

...till they all come home....

[Kathy in Alaska]

And in second....Sand snags the silver!!

[MoochPooch]

Evening, Kathy! NY has gone Alaska!

[Kathy in Alaska]

And rounding out the top three....The Mayor bags the bronze!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, ken...thanks for sharing your experiences.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Mac, for today’s military history.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, ML...((HUGS))

Congratulations of your sale.

Did you and Lynn-Dah get out today?

How did the Biker’s duet work out today? Is the new venue settling in?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Mac, for the Missing Man Setting as we remember those who have given their all that we may gather safe and secure.

[Kathy in Alaska]

[left that other site]

Lynn-Dah and I had several walks today and she is now sleeping contentedly at my feet.

As I had said, it was drums and bass today, For some reason, my voice was stronger and more powerful than it has been for a long time, and we ROCKED.

We were complimented by the Sargent-at-arms, so I guess it sounded good to the people too!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Luv...((HUGS))...another great hero.

[ConorMacNessa]

Back.

I see we're at a lower temperature than you again. We bought firewood today:



Sapphire is relieved:

America demands Justice for the Fallen of Benghazi!

O stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians that we lie here, obedient to their command.

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Mooch. I’ve been noticing that. Hope you are safe and warm.

Do you have snow, or just COLD? Hope you don’t have to go out in it very often.

It was mid 40s here today. I worked on chipping ice off the driveway.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Making a joyful noise....can’t be beat. WTG!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Ya definitely need to make sure Sapphire is warm and cozy.

Did you say you also have an outside cat? If so I’ll bet he/she is glad to be inside.

A nice fire in the fireplace is comforting.