World War II 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 for Iwo Jima" (2006) by Gary W. Toyn.
World War II 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 for Iwo Jima" (2006) by Gary W. Toyn.
Bio by: Bob Hufford
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