Congressional Medal of Honor Society

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Vietnam War - U.S. Marine Corps

Raymond Michael "Red" Clausen Jr.

Details
  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, Marine Aircraft Group 16,
    1st Marine Aircraft Wing
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: January 31, 1970
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Republic of Vietnam
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 during operations against enemy forces. Participating in a helicopter rescue mission to extract elements of a platoon which had inadvertently entered a minefield while attacking enemy positions, Pfc. Clausen skillfully guided the helicopter pilot to a landing in an area cleared by one of several mine explosions. With 11 marines wounded, and one dead, and the remaining eight marines holding their positions for fear of detonating other mines, Pfc. Clausen quickly leaped from the helicopter and, in the face of enemy fire, moved across the extremely hazardous mineladen area to assist in carrying casualties to the waiting helicopter and in placing them aboard. Despite the ever-present threat of further mine explosions, he continued his valiant efforts, leaving the comparatively safe area of the helicopter on six separate occasions to carry out his rescue efforts. On one occasion while he was carrying one of the wounded, another mine detonated, killing a corpsman and wounding three other men. Only when he was certain that all marines were safely aboard did he signal the pilot to lift the helicopter. By the courageous, determined, and inspiring efforts in the face of the utmost danger, Pfc. Clausen upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: June 15, 1971

    The White House (East Ballroom), presented by Pres. Richard M. Nixon

  • Born: October 14, 1947, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, LA, United States
  • Died: May 30, 2004, Dallas, TX, United States
  • Buried: Ponchatoula City Cemetery (MH) (A-1-H), Ponchatoula, LA, United States
 
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Raymond Clausen Jr.: Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient

Raymond Clausen Jr.: Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient

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