PFC Mike Clausen

Mike Clausen was a true Marine hero, awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery in Vietnam.

I first met Mike at a Marine reunion (POPASMOKE) in Pensacola, Florida in 1998. It was Roger Herman who introduced me to him at Trader Jon’s Bar. Over the years, we kept in touch, mostly through email. I’d help him with computer questions, and we got together a few more times after that initial meeting. He passed away in 2004, but his legacy remains strong.

Raymond Michael Clausen, Jr., received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Vietnam in January 1970. Born on October 14, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he graduated high school in 1965 and briefly attended college. Clausen enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in New Orleans on March 30, 1966, before re-enlisting in the regular Marine Corps in May of that year.

After training as a jet engine mechanic, Clausen was stationed at Marine Aircraft Group 26 in New River, North Carolina, before deploying overseas. By November 1969, he was on his second Vietnam tour, serving with HMM-263, Marine Aircraft Group 16. He returned to the U.S. in August 1970 and was soon honorably discharged.

His commendations included the Medal of Honor, the Air Crewman Insignia with three Gold Stars, the Air Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and others.

Clausen’s story is more than just his actions on one day. Growing up in New Orleans, he developed a strong work ethic and loyalty to his family and community, which laid the foundation for his sense of duty. From a young age, he felt a calling to serve, leading him to join the Marines during the turbulent Vietnam era. His commitment to duty and patriotism would become the cornerstone of his legacy.

In Vietnam, Clausen quickly proved himself as more than just a jet engine mechanic. Fellow Marines often spoke of his calmness and dependability, particularly in life-threatening situations. His rescue mission on January 31, 1970, for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor, is the best-known testament to his courage, but it also demonstrates his unshakable commitment to his comrades. Clausen later shared that he didn’t think twice about running into the minefield, focusing solely on ensuring his fellow Marines’ safety—a defining trait that deeply resonated with those who served alongside him.

After returning from Vietnam, Clausen’s transition to civilian life wasn’t without its challenges, a reality shared by many veterans of his era. He found solace and strength in his Marine Corps community, regularly attending reunions and offering support to younger veterans, particularly those struggling with the shift back to civilian life. Clausen also worked in aviation maintenance and dedicated much of his free time to veteran advocacy, raising awareness about PTSD and emphasizing the importance of support networks for those who had served.

On a personal level, Clausen was known for his humility and sense of humor. He seldom spoke of his Medal of Honor in public, considering it less a personal achievement and more a symbol of the courage shown by all Marines who served in Vietnam. For him, the medal represented the ultimate sacrifices made by many of his comrades, both those who returned and those who didn’t. His sense of responsibility toward this legacy was unwavering, and he felt a deep bond with the Marine Corps community until his last days.

Clausen’s legacy lives on through his family and friends, who continue to share his story as an inspiration for future generations of Marines and Americans. His life and actions stand as a powerful reminder of the Marine Corps’ core values—honor, courage, and commitment—that he exemplified both on and off the battlefield. Those who knew him say his influence extended far beyond the combat zone, embodying the Marine ethos of selflessness, loyalty, and quiet strength.