George Edward Wahlen - South Ogden, UT - Medal Of Honor Resting Places on Waymarking.com

World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. A US Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class (called Pharmacist's Mate at the time), he was decorated for heroism on Iwo Jima. Raised in Utah, Wahlen joined the Navy during WWII (initially wanting to be an aircraft mechanic), and was attached to the Second Battalion, 26th. Marines, in early 1945. Thru late February and early March, his unit saw heavy action. He was honored for saving the lives of 14 Marines, despite his own wounds, under heavy enemy fire on March 3, 1945, and was presented the Medal of Honor by President Harry Truman on October 5, 1945. After WWII, Wahlen obtained a degree from Brigham Young University, Hawaii, and joined the US Army. He served in Korea and Viet Nam, eventually retiring as a major; subsequently, he worked for the Veterans Administration (VA) for ten years. Wahlen died of cancer in a VA Medical Center that carries his name. His story was told in "The Quiet Hero: The Untold Medal of Honor Story of George E. Wahlen at the Battle.

His Citation reads:

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

There is a large bronze plaque in the Utah State Capitol in his honor.

Armed Service: Navy

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