Quiet Hero: The Untold Medal of Honor Story of George E. Wahlen at the Battle for Iwo Jima

 

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 2'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 that 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 US 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 realise the battle was the most costly of World War II for America.

 

After receiving a Medal of Honour from President Harry Truman in 1945, Wahlen has been the quintessential quiet hero, refusing the adulation usually bestowed on nationally recognised veterans.

 

Gary Toyn

Hardcover 240pp

 

Book Code:  AW0416