Finalist in the 2007 Benjamin Franklin Awards competition for Autobiography/Biography/Memoir
"The Quiet Hero gives the reader a compelling daily account of the hells of combat on Iwo Jima, 1945—one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history." —Harlan Glenn, host, The History Channel's Mail Call
"The George Wahlen story is one of inspiration and motivation for all of us who came from humble beginnings and made the best with what God has given us." —Orrin Hatch, U.S. senator
"The Quiet Hero offers an extraordinary peek into the making of one of our nation's most distinguished war heroes." —James Bradley, author, Flags of Our Fathers and Flyboys
"The Quiet Hero is well worth the [time] it takes to read. When you put it down, you will have been reminded about what selfless service and courage mean." —Leatherneck magazine
"Gary Toyn has effectively researched the life and heroic actions of Navy Corpsman George Wahlen, weaving the young man's personal history into a riveting and historically accurate account of his heroism at Iwo Jima." —C. Douglas Sterner, founder, HomeofHeroes.com
"The author uses a matter of fact style that both chronicles and explains the forces and context which shaped George's life and actions. Military history buffs and those interested in Americans who have especially meaningful lives will love this book." —Bob Spear, Heartland Reviews
"This well-illustrated account of the intense battle that Wahlen and his fellow Marines went through is in stark contrast to Joe Rosenthal's calm, yet heroic photo of the raising of the flag on Mount Suribachi." —College and Research Library News
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.
Gary W. Toyn is a former producer of video documentaries. He traveled worldwide for the U.S. Department of Defense, and is a former reporter for UPI and ABC Radio News. He currently teaches broadcasting at Weber State University. He lives in Ogden, Utah. Senator Bob Dole is a WWII veteran who received two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained in a battle against the Nazis in Italy and a Bronze Star for his attempt to assist a downed radio operator. He has served as both the Senate Majority Leader and Senate Minority Leader in the U.S. Senate. He lives in Russell, Kansas. Senator Orrin Hatch is a former attorney who is in his fifth term as a U.S. Senator. He is the senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the second-ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Finance. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Biography, History
240 pages, Cloth, 6 x 9
81 B/W Photos, 2 B/W Illustrations, 13 Maps
Distribution Rights: US & CA
$21.95 (CAN $29.95)
9780976154716 (0976154714) Pub Date: May 2006
American Legacy Media