Medical center named for veteran

The Medal of Honor is the highest military recognition an American can receive. Fewer than 3,500 of the medals have been awarded since the start of the Civil War, and fewer than 140 recipients are alive.

But on Wednesday, George E. Wahlen was given even rarer recognition than the Medal of Honor he earned during World War II: the Salt Lake City Veterans Administration medical center was named after him.

President Bush sent a letter for the occasion.

Hundreds of officials, veterans, family members and media filled an auditorium in the center's Building 8. Others watched a large-screen broadcast in an adjacent room.

Wahlen, an Ogden resident, served in the Navy during World War II as a pharmacist's mate second class attached to a Marine unit. Later he enlisted in the Army and served during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He also worked with the VA for 14 years, helping veterans with their benefits.

He served heroically during the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima. As a 20-year-old medic, Wahlen was wounded three times and repeatedly risked his life to save others. He refused evacuation and faced tremendous fire to assist wounded Americans.

" . . . Unable to walk after sustaining a third agonizing wound, (Wahlen) resolutely crawled 50 yards to administer first aid to still another fallen fighter," adds the official citation.

On Wednesday, Gordon H. Mansfield, deputy secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, read the letter from President Bush:

"In naming this VA medical center for George E. Wahlen we honor a proud patriot whose extraordinary service in the Battle of Iwo Jima earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor and the gratitude of our nation. And his efforts on behalf of America's veterans reflects the great spirit of our country," the president wrote.

By continuing to provide a wide range of quality medical services to veterans, the hospital will honor their sacrifices and help our nation fulfill its honor to these heroes, the president's letter added.

"I join all Americans in expressing our appreciation to our veterans and I commend others who support these loyal citizens.

"As we work to fight terror and advance freedom around the world, their courage and heroism continues to inspire us. Laura joins me in sending our best wishes. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America."