MARINE FORCES RESERVE, New Orleans -- “Mike” Raymond M. Clausen, a Medal of Honor recipient, passed away at the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas May 30 at the age of 56 due to liver failure.
A funeral service for Clausen was held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ponchatoula, La. June 7. A military burial with 21-gun salute and a fly-over by CH-46 helicopters followed the service at Ponchatoula City Cemetery, where old and young Marines gathered to honor their fallen comrade.
The Louisiana native enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves on May 27, 1966. He served as a helicopter crew chief in Vietnam with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. On Jan. 31, 1970 Pfc. Clausen participated in the rescue of a Marine platoon that had been stranded in a minefield. Once Clausen’s helicopter had safely landed, and against orders from his superior officer, Clausen ventured into the minefield six times, bringing 18 Marines to safety.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty, President Richard M. Nixon awarded Clausen the Medal of Honor on June 15, 1971. As Nixon presented the medal to Clausen, he shook his hand and said, “Well done Marine.”
Clausen was one of the remaining 132 veterans alive today who received the Medal of Honor. A complete list of his medals and decorations include: the Medal of Honor, the Air Crewman Insignia with three Gold Stars; and 98 Strike Flights Awards of the Air Medal, The Combat Action Ribbon, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one silver and one bronze star, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, and the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.
Clausen is survived by his wife of 28 years, Lois Clausen. Donations may be made to the Mike Clausen Memorial Fund at the First Community Bank in Hammond, La. For more information contact Vivian Brown at 985-429-9899.