Ponchatoula in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
PFC Raymond "Mike" Clausen, Jr.
Medal of Honor USMC
| | 14 October 1947 - 30 May 2004 | |
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, November 10, 2016
1. PFC Raymond "Mike" Clausen, Jr. Marker
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 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
this page online
Helicopter Squadron
HMM 263
DaNang RVN
31 January 1970
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. A significant historical date for this entry is January 31, 1970.
Location. 30° 26.257′ N, 90° 27.414′ W. Memorial is in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, in Tangipahoa Parish. It is on West Pine Street (State Highway 22) near 51, on the right when traveling west. Located just inside the Ponchatoula City Cemetery. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Ponchatoula LA 70454, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial is in the Florida Parishes and in Greater New Orleans. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ponchatoula Depot (approx. 0.9 miles away); USS Ponchatoula Memorial (approx. one mile away); Hammond Junior College (approx. 4½ miles away); Mt. Vernon Walnut (approx. 4.7 miles away); Grace Memorial Episcopal Church (approx. 4.8 miles away); City Of Hammond (approx. 4.8 miles away); Friendship Circle (approx. 5.2 miles away); Site of 1st Classroom Bldg. (approx. 5.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ponchatoula.
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, November 10, 2016
2. PFC Raymond "Mike" Clausen, Jr. Marker
