[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 84 (Monday, June 8, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H6270]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT GEORGE E. WAHLEN

  (Mr. CHAFFETZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, America lost one of its quiet, humble 
heroes on Friday, Major George E. Wahlen, Utah's sole surviving World 
War II Medal of Honor recipient.
  Wahlen earned the Medal of Honor as a Navy corpsman at the Battle of 
Iwo Jima. Despite being injured three times during the battle, he 
refused to leave the battlefield. He was an angel of mercy, and saved 
countless lives through his heroic efforts, despite his own injuries. 
This selfless act typifies the men and women of ``The Greatest 
Generation.'' Unfortunately, we are losing these heroes.
  Wahlen received the Medal of Honor from President Harry Truman in 
1945 in recognition of his heroism during the tide-turning battle. He 
then re-enlisted and served in Korea and Vietnam, after which he served 
other veterans as a 14-year employee of the VA.
  In 2004, Congress named the VA medical facility in Utah in his honor. 
The VA had this to say upon his passing: ``This modest hero truly 
exemplified the meaning of patriotism, commitment to service, and love 
of country. The people of Utah, this hospital and the veterans he 
tirelessly served have lost a remarkable man.'' Indeed, they have. We 
all have.

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