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, choosing instead 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 was born in Huntsville, Utah to goodly parents. His early career was spent as a lead singer in a rock band, where he traveled the globe. On his final tour, he survived a helicopter crash in the jungles of Honduras. After graduating from Weber State University he worked as a writer and journalist, interviewing NBA superstars, world political leaders, Olympians, political dissidents, and heads of state. He has authored four books including The Quiet Hero: The Untold Medal of Honor Story of George E. Wahlen at the Battle for Iwo Jima, with contributions from Senator's Bob Dole and Orrin Hatch. He is also the co-author of regional bestseller Life Lessons from Fathers of Faith, and author of Life Lessons from Mothers of Faith, both published by Covenant Communications. These full-color, hard-cover coffee table books feature intimate and inspiring stories from people like Senator Harry Reid, Mitt Romney, Academy Award-winning producer Gerald Molen (Schindler's List), Hall of Fame Quarterback Steve Young, New York Times Bestselling author Stephen R. Covey, hotel magnate J.W. Marriott, Olympian Peter Vidmar, Harvard Business Professor Clayton Christensen and many other inspiring people.
Senator Bob Dole was an American politician and attorney who represented Kansas in the United States Senate from 1969 to 1996. He was the Republican Leader of the Senate during the final 11 years of his tenure, including three non-consecutive years as Senate Majority Leader.