"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 front lines 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."
From HC2 Wahlen's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on October 5, 1945.
Thank you for your service and may you be at peace,
Brian & Melonie
George E. Wahlen nursing home in Ogden, Utah.
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