Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

PFC Raymond “Mike” Clausen Memorial

Photographed By Don Morfe, September 21, 2008

1. PFC Raymond "Mike" Clausen Memorial (front)

Inscription.
(front) 14 October 1947
30 May 2004

Helicopter Squadron
HMM 263
DaNang RVN
31 January 1970 (rear) USMC
Medal of Honor
31 Jan 1970

PFC Raymond Mike Clausen Jr 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, Marine Aircraft Group 16, First Marine Aircraft Wing, during operations against enemy forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 31 January 1970. Participating in a helicopter rescue mission to extract elements of a platoon which had inadvertently entered a minefield while attacking enemy positions, Private First Class Clausen skillfully guided the helicopter pilot to a landing in an area cleared by one of several mine explosions. With eleven Marines wounded, one dead, and the remaining eight Marines holding their positions for fear of detonating other mines, Private First Class Clausen quickly leaped from the helicopter and, in the face of enemy fire, moved across the extremely hazardous mine-laden 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

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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 his courageous, determined and inspiring efforts in the face of the utmost danger, Private First Class Clausen upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the Medal of Honor Recipients series list.

Location. 35° 13.482′ N, 80° 55.968′ W. Marker is in Charlotte, North Carolina, in Mecklenburg County. It is in Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Memorial can be reached from Minuteman Way west of Minuteman Drive, on the right when traveling west. The marker and helicopter are located on the grounds of the Carolina Aviation Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4106 Minuteman Way, Charlotte NC 28208, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Boeing / Vertol CH-46A / E Sea Knight (here, next to this marker); Charlotte Speedway (approx. one mile away); Graham Family Homeplace

PFC Raymond "Mike" Clausen Memorial (rear) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, September 21, 2008

2. PFC Raymond "Mike" Clausen Memorial (rear)

(approx. 2.8 miles away); Camp Greene (approx. 2.8 miles away); a different marker also named Camp Greene (approx. 3.1 miles away); Steele Creek Church (approx. 3.2 miles away); S.B. Alexander (approx. 3.3 miles away); The Rudisill Lode (Vein) (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlotte.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Carolinas Aviation Museum. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on January 9, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

PFC Raymond "Mike" Clausen Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, September 21, 2008

3. PFC Raymond "Mike" Clausen Memorial

PFC Clausen was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic action during a rescue mission in this Sea Knight helicopter.

Medal of Honor Mission Crew image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe

4. Medal of Honor Mission Crew

PFC Raymond M Clausen burial site at Ponchatoula Cemetery, Ponchatoula LA. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, September 18, 2008

5. PFC Raymond M Clausen burial site at Ponchatoula Cemetery, Ponchatoula LA.

Carolina Aviation Museum image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Don Morfe, September 21, 2008

6. Carolina Aviation Museum

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 749 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 12, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4. submitted on January 10, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 5, 6. submitted on March 12, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.