Author

Contributions

  • Senator Bob Dole (Foreword) - Contributor
  • Senator Orrin Hatch (Introduction) - Contributor

Publication

2006-05-20 - American Legacy Media

Language

English

Word Count

60,000 words, Guess

Page Count

240 pages

Physical Format

Hardcover

Identifiers

and 3 more
  • Library of Congress Control Number2005926264
  • LibraryThing1073211
  • Goodreads815440

Classifications

  • LCCD767.99.I9 W437 2006

Description

This powerful story documents the Battle of Iwo Jima from the perspective of extraordinary navy corpsman George Wahlen. After decades of silence, this survivor of one of World War II's most horrific battles divulges the gritty details of his incredible experiences. Upon landing with a company of 250 marines, Wahlen fought alongside them. Under repeated grenade and mortar fire himself, Wahlen refused evacuation, preferring to aid those he perceived to be in greater danger. Witnesses of his heroics remain dumbfounded he survived, and while his incredible feats of bravery saved countless marines, the intensity of the battle left few men of the company unscathed—they suffered the highest killed-in-action ratio of any marine company during a single battle in U.S. history. The significance of his story lies in the historic context of the battle for Iwo Jima; while many remember the iconic flag-raising photograph captured during this conflict, few realize the battle was the most costly of World War II for America. After receiving a Medal of Honor from President Harry Truman in 1945, Wahlen has been the quintessential quiet hero, refusing the adulation usually bestowed on nationally recognized veterans.

Description

In 1945, President Harry Truman decorated George Wahlen with the Medal of Honor to recognize his bravery on Iwo Jima. Wahlen's medal citation reads like a rejected John Wayne movie script too grand to be believed. Those who witnessed his heroics remain dumbfounded he survived. For over 60 years, he has been the quintessential quiet hero. After decades of silence, Bob Dole (foreword) and Senator Orrin Hatch (introduction) help tell this incredible untold story.

First Sentence

Hunkered down on the island of Iwo Jima, George Wahlen and his unit, ("F" Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division) waited anxiously for orders to advance.

Subjects

Other Editions

  • The Quiet Hero: The Untold Medal of Honor Story of George E. Wahlen at the Battle for Iwo JimaHardcoverAmerican Legacy Media2006-05-20

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