The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
CLAUSEN, RAYMOND M.
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, Marine Aircraft Croup 16,
1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Place and date: Republic of Vietnam, 31 January 1970. Entered
service at: New Orleans, La. Born: 14 October 1947, New Orleans, La.
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 1
of several mine explosions. With 11 marines wounded, 1 dead, and the remaining 8 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 6 separate
occasions to carry out his rescue efforts. On 1 occasion while he was carrying 1 of the
wounded, another mine detonated, killing a corpsman and wounding 3 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.
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