Comments about ‘Utah war hero dies at age 84’

A true HERO who saved lives at the risk of his own, on Iwo Jima, despite already being wounded.

His service since his heroism in combat, all continued to help his fellow veterans.

It is an honor to have shaken his hand, or heard him speak.

One of the greatest of the greatest generation has left us. Let us not forget him.

I met Mr. Wahlen briefly at a patriotic event where he was a featured guest. Like most from his 'greatest generation' he was a quiet, humble and unassuming man. If his heroism hadn't been the topic of discussion on that day I would have just thought he was another senior in attendance at the meeting. I felt honored to shake his hand and meet him. My generation was never called to the battlefield, but the blessings we enjoy today we owe to him and others who bravely answered the call. It was a pleasure to meet you. God bless you Mr. Wahlen and peace be with your family.

Thank you for your service & peace to your family.

As a member of the Armed services I extend a sincer thank you to the Wahlen family, for their service, and sacrifice over the years. This man is a true hero and shall be honored as such in life and death.

I had the honor to meet George twice. If you read the citation that was given by President Truman you would know why he earn this honor. It's on the internet, go read it. Truman said: it was about time that a "Pill Pusher" finally got this award. As the father of a daughter and former Navy Corpman, I would have agreed.

These few individuals who have won this medal, rate a salute from everyman in the military and the President of the United States as well.

It is sad that we are losing these fine men, who truly are the greatest generation.

God Bless George Wahlen and his family.

If you've ever read details about America's Medal of Honor recipients (their combat stories), you'd see why these awards are designated medals of "honor".

Every single last one of these guys understands the beauty and goodness of unconditional love of their fellow man and deserve our nation's gretaest admiration and respect.

Goodbye, Sir, till we meet again.

Dan

I would like to thank all Vets for your service and the blessing I personally enjoy because of your service, effort, and sacrifice. God Bless you all and may you be in His rest forever.

Mr. Wahlen I can't begin to contemplate how proud your country, your family, and your God is of you this day as you got your orders for yet another mission. Thank you sailor for all that you did and the inspiration you gave so many. God bless your family.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Mr. Wahlen, for giving me the freedom to have the life I have today.

May God shower your family with His choicest blessings of comfort during this time of loss.

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 (Cont...)

...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.

Now, THAT'S what I call a hero.

As an ex-Marine I can't say enough for the Crops of the Navy. This man is a fine example of their dedication, without men like Mr. Wahlen many more would have died. Valor is never out of style nor are men like this. A hero then a hero today may his family always remember him for generations to come.

I think I speak for many when I say - Thank you Mr. Wahlen to you and to your family, for the sacrifices you and your family have made for all of us. Even in the face of the constant threat of danger your concern for others is inspiring. You remain an example of honor.

A grateful nation thanks you!

I was privileged to interview Mr. Wahlen a few years ago for an article for this paper and he was a genuine patriot. His love of this country was palpable and it was a pleasure to be in his presence.

WOW! That's a lot of decendants who would not be here if he had not come back from war.

The greatest generation that ever lived! I am humbled by this story. We all owe a debt to any service men - past and present. Any former or current service men reading this - thank you for your service to our country.

I remember as a young boy in Hawaii, George Wahlen and his family were in our LDS ward. Even my dad, an infantry sergeant with a lot of combat experience was equally impressed by George Wahlen's heroism under fire. I remember when my dad told me about the CMH my eyes got really big. Since I had "grown up" with the Army, even then I knew what it meant.
I recall last summer going to the Yorktown in Charleston Harbor. On board is the CMH Memorial (you really must see it if you are in Charleston). I looked for George Wahlen's name, and I found it. I felt reverence there, as these men and women, in many cases, gave their last full measure of devotion for our country.
May our Father in Heaven bless the memory of George Wahlen; he was part of the greatest generation that gave us a great legacy.

Even though I only go to meet him once he was an amazing great uncle and influence to the Wahlen name.
Thanks for the good comments I know he would like that!

Having served as a Hospital Corpsman with the Marines in Viet Nam and hearing stories from my Dad, who was a Marine on Iwo, I am truly awe inspired by great men like Mr. Wahlen. All vets should be honored, but recipients of the CMH are truly in a class by themselves.
Those who have served and those who are serving this country on the battlefield know the true meaning of sacrifice. All Americans should be willing to follow the example of this great man to make some contribution to this great country of ours.

I am so impressed with this man of VALOR and honor and the account of his citation someone so kindly posted. Forgive me if I read between the lines here. It told me how close he was to God and who must have have had some incredible promises (spiritual blessings) made to him in his youth that he always knew he would/must serve his fellowman in the way the Stripling Warriors served without fear or trepidation for the cause of liberty. Even though these words are inadequate,I thank you Brother Wahlen, posthumously for your courage to do what you did so unselfishly in the service of your fellowmen. God bless you as you have received your new call on a different mission. May your family be comforted at this time as well. A. Mc

What a great example to us all. I never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Walden, but I read his book about six months ago. There is hardly a day that goes by that I am reminded by something of that book. What a man of courage, patriotism and duty. If we could all be an nth of what he was.