AP Photo/Chris Detrick, Pool
George Wahlen acknowledges a standing ovation in his honor during Utah State of the State address to a joint session of the legislature 1/22/2008, in Salt Lake City. Wahlen is the state's only surviving Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. He won the medal for his service on Iwo Jima during WWII
George E. Wahlen
World War II medic wounded three times during the battle of Iwo Jima
ROY, Utah (AP) _ George E. Wahlen, a Medal of Honor recipient wounded during the battle of Iwo Jima, died Friday. He was 84.
Wahlen's family said he died of lung cancer at the U.S. Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salt Lake City, which was named for him in 2004.
Wahlen, an Ogden native who lived in nearby Roy, was a World War II medic hit by enemy fire three times over a week in 1945 while advancing forward of front lines to aid other wounded Marines.
Wahlen stayed in battle even after his third wounding, according to his citation awarded by President Harry S. Truman.
In separate statements offering their condolences, Gov. Jon Huntsman called Wahlen a humble hero and Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, called the veteran a true-blue hero.
George E. Wahlen
August 8, 1924 - June 5, 2009
Memory Book
“ I hold my copy of your book that you signed close during this sad time. America has lost another true hero. my thoughtss and prayers go out to your...Read More » ”
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