He is most noted for his service as commanding officer of 23rd Marine Regiment during Battle of Iwo Jima, when he received the Navy Cross, the United States military's second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat.

[1] Wensinger then served as commanding officer of the Marine barracks at Pacific Coast Torpedo Station in Keyport, Washington, until December 1930, when he was ordered for his second tour of expeditionary duty to Nicaragua.

He left Quantico in order to be appointed commanding officer of the Marine detachment aboard the battleship USS New Mexico and served two years with sea duties in the Pacific Ocean.

[1] With the activation of 4th Marine Division in July 1943 at San Diego, Wensinger was promoted to the rank of colonel and appointed divisional assistant chief of staff for operations and training.

He led 23rd Marines during the battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945 and received the Navy Cross, the United States military's second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat.

Observing that his leading elements were suffering heavy casualties and that the tanks and other mechanized equipment were unable to assist in the advance, he ordered the movement of his Command Post to the immediate vicinity of the front lines.

Landing amidst intense fire from mortars, artillery and automatic weapons to discover that the beach and evacuation facilities were completely disrupted and inoperative, Colonel Wensinger quickly provided improvised means for the removal of the wounded and for the essential supply of his units ashore and, upon arriving at the advanced location of his Command Post, aggressively maneuvered the units under his command in effecting the rapid seizure of the assigned objectives.

Colonel Wensinger's superb leadership, gallant fighting spirit and tactical skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Wensinger also served additional duty as chief of staff, Advanced Command Post and represented V Amphibious Corps and Sixth Army in dealing with Japanese authorities in Southern Japan and accept surrender of Sasebo.

[1] Wensinger was promoted to the rank of major general in October 1951 and assumed duties as director of plans and policies at Headquarters Marine Corps in December of that year.