Harold Edgar Wadley

Sergeant Harold Edgar Wadley, U.S. Marine Corps, born on 16 January 1934 in Berryhill (now Tulsa), Oklahoma, has led a life marked by service, bravery, and dedication. He left high school to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps in May 1951 during the Korean War, joining the engineering platoon of 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines. Demonstrating exceptional courage during the battle of Vegas Hill, Wadley volunteered for a mine removal squad and, under heavy fire, cleared an evacuation route for wounded personnel. For his selfless actions, he was awarded the Bronze Star with V for valor and the Purple Heart. He received a Navy Commendation Medal with V for valor for his work defending hills Reno and Vegas. After discharge in 1953, he earned a Forestry degree at Oklahoma A & M, now Oklahoma State University.

In 1967 during the Vietnam War, Wadley re-enlisted and served again with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, this time as Weapons Platoon Commander. During Operation Swift, he led his Marines through intense enemy fire, enabling the evacuation of wounded comrades. Severely wounded himself, he continued to direct operations, calling in precise air strikes. For his heroism, Wadley was awarded the Silver Star and a second Purple Heart.

Following military discharge in 1968, Wadley used his forestry expertise internationally. He joined the Peace Corps (1972–1974) in Malaysia, contributing to forestry projects and searching for Vietnam-era MIA personnel. He authored a forestry handbook in Malaysian language. He later wrote “Handbook of Agroforestry” in English and Chinese during his work with the World Wildlife Fund in China and Laos. His final international service was with World Vision International (1996–1999) in China where he published “Spirit Blending Foals Before and After Birth; An Old Way Continued.” 

Wadley’s commitment to service, both military and humanitarian, stands as a testament to his enduring character and far-reaching impact.