Wahlen, George, MAJ

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

PHARMACIST'S MATE SECOND CLASS GEORGE E. WAHLEN
UNITED STATES NAVY
for service as set forth in the following

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.

/S/ HARRY S. TRUMAN

George Edward Wahlen
Roy
1924 - 2009
George Edward Wahlen, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away Friday, June 5, 2009 after a short battle with cancer. He was born, August 8, 1924 in Ogden, Utah to Albert George Wahlen and Doris Lythgoe.

He married his eternal companion and best friend, Melba Holley of Slaterville, Utah on August 16, 1946. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. She is the love of his life and they shared 63 wonderful years together and have supported each other throughout their lives.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he has served in many capacities including, Home Teacher, Counselor in the bishopric, and High Priest Group Leader.

He attended Weber High School and entered the U.S. Navy June 1943 where he entered medical training and was assigned as a medical corpsman to the 5Th Marine Division and served with Fox Company on the island of Iwo Jima. It was on Iwo Jima where he was wounded on three separate occasions and was transported to the U.S. Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton, California where he endured 10 months of recovery. On October 3, 1945 he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman and later discharged from the Navy.

He received an Associates Degree from Weber State College and then entered the U.S. Army where he served in various capacities in the medical field for 20 years including a tour of duty in Korea and Vietnam. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Church College of Hawaii. In 1969 he retired from the Armed Forces and was employed by the Veterans Administration for 12 years. At this time he completed 2 years of graduate study at the University of Utah.

His personal awards include: The Medal of Honor, Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, three Purple Hearts, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with one star and the Vietnam Service Medal with four campaign stars, the Direct Service to Public Award from the Central Office of the Veterans Administration in Washington D.C. and the Weber State College Presidential Citation for service to the veteran students and many other recognitions.

Surviving are his wife, Melba Wahlen, five children and their spouses, Jolene (Alan) Rogers, Christine (Blake) Anderson, Pam (Jim) Riley, Blake (Jana) Wahlen, Brock (Pam) Wahlen, 26 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brothers, and three grandchildren.

The thing he treasured the most was time with his family by sharing monthly family nights, yearly vacations, Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners and New Years Eve parties with the entire family. He loved being involved with all his grandchildrens various activities and made each one feel as if they were his favorite.

Another passion of his was working for veterans and their rights. He played a vital role by lobbying for the Veterans Cemetery at Camp Williams, and two nursing homes. He belonged to many organizations associated with the veterans.

The family expresses thanks to the Veterans Hospital doctors and staff and Harmony Health Care for the loving care they have provided.

Funeral services will be held Thursday June 11th at 11:00 a.m. at the Roy North Stake Center, 4250 South 2175 West, Roy.

Family and friends may pay respects Wednesday, June 10th from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lindquists Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South, Roy and Thursday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the Stake Center.

Interment, Lindquists Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Road.

The family respectfully suggests contributions be made to The Ogden Veterans Nursing Home c/o Utah Department of Veterans Affairs, 550 Foothill Drive , #202, SLC, UT 84108.

This I will remember, when the rest of life is through: the finest thing Ive ever done is simply loving you.

Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com