Private First Class Edward Joseph Gengler (Serial Number: 810191), was born 15 April 1922 in Cook County, Chicago, Illinois to Frank Joseph and Tillie Nichols Gengler.  He had two brothers, Karl Frank and Frank Joseph Jr.  He also had a sister, Violet.

He would later enlist into the United States Marine Corps on 28 March 1943. During WWII, he was assigned to Alpha Company, 1^st Battalion, 28^th Marine Regiment, 5^th Marine Division.  On 11 February 1945, he arrived and disembarked from the USS Dickens at Saipan, Marianas Islands.  That same day, he embarked and sailed from Saipan via LST #70 and arrived at Iwo Jima on 19 February.  He first saw action against the enemy from 19-28 February at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands.  He was present and witnessed the flag raising which occurred on 23 February.  On 02 March 1945, around 3pm, PFC Edward was attempting to re-supply the front lines with ammunition when a mortar shell landed in the ammunition dump, killing him immediately.  He was just 23 years old.  He was first buried in plot 5, row 1, grave 1004, in the 5^th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima.

His family had him brought home after the war and is now buried in the First Baptist Cemetery in Pound, Wisconsin.

The medal was returned to his brother, Mr. Karl Gengler at his home located in Mequon, WI.

Returning the medal were Valor Guard members Michael Brennan, Jason Johns, and Greg Haak.