Mike Clausen - Medal of Honor Recipient

[Lucky The Dog]

A Marine Corps hero died yesterday...over the Memorial Day weekend. After a long battle with various health problems, Raymond Mike Clausen passed away during the evening hours of Sunday, May 30th. Mike's wife, Lois, was at his side. Our condolences go out to Lois at this very difficult time.

Mike was in one of the finest hospitals in the country, Baylor University Medical Center located in Dallas, TX. He was being attended to by the best doctors and nurses available, but unfortunately, there was simply nothing more that could be done to save him. Funeral arrangements are pending, and will be posted as soon as details are available.

As I am sure you are all aware, Mike was the only enlisted Air Wing Marine to receive the Medal of Honor in Vietnam. He flew with HMM-263 as a crewchief and on 31 January 1970 flew the mission for which he received the MOH. His bravery that day is well known by the members of the USMC/Vietnam Helicopter Association, and many others...others such as Ross Perot.

The reason that Mike was in Dallas, instead of a VA hospital in Louisiana was due to the fact that when Ross Perot got word of Mike's difficulties, he sent his own personal jet to bring Mike back to Dallas. He then ensured that Mike received the best medical care available. He did this all at his own expense without hesitation. But it goes much further than the tremendous financial costs covered by Ross Perot. It was yet another true act of patriotism and loyalty from one former military man to another who was in need.

Thanks from all of us at the Association for everything that you did for one of our own, Mr. Perot. We "popped a smoke" and you answered the call.

Semper Fi,

Roger Herman
Founder and former President
USMC/Vietnam Helicopter Association

[beddoe]

You will be missed Mike...

Semper Fidelis

[beddoe]

PFC RAYMOND M. CLAUSEN, JR.
Medal of Honor, 1970
HMM-263, Vietnam
-----------------------------------------------------------
The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to PRIVATE FIRST CLASS RAYMOND M. CLAUSEN, JR. UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

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 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.



/S/ RICHARD M. NIXON

[GEORGE CURTIS]

You spell that with four letters "MIKE" Raymond Michael Clausen, Jr., who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam in January 1970, was born October 14, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from high school in 1965, then attended college for six months. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve at New Orleans, March 30, 1966 and was discharged to enlist in the regular Marine Corps, May 27, 1966. Private Clausen received recruit training with the 3d Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, and individual combat training with the 3d Battalion, 2d Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Pendleton, California. He then completed Aviation Mechanical Fundamentals School and the Basic Helicopter Course, Naval Air Technical Training Center, Memphis, Tennessee. Upon completion of his training in April 1967, he was transferred to Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26), Marine Corps Air Facility, New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina, and served as jet engineer mechanic with HMM-365 and, later, as guard with MABS-26. In December 1967, Private Clausen was ordered overseas where he was to serve as jet helicopter mechanic throughout his active duty service. Joining the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, he was with H&MS-36, MAG-36 until September 1968, then with HMM-364, MAG-16 until the following August. Private Clausen returned to the United States, where he joined MAG-26 at New River for duty with HMM-261. In November 1969, he began his second tour of duty with HMM-263, MAG-16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On August 19, 1970, upon his return to the United States, he was released from active duty. A complete list of his medals and decorations include: the Medal of Honor, the Air Crewman Insignia with three Gold Stars,and 98 Strike Flight 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 star and one bronze star, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, and the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. Private Clausen’s parents are Mr. and Mrs. Raymond M. Clausen, Sr., of Hammond, Louisiana.

[GEORGE CURTIS]

“Mike” spent most of the day with me visiting patients in their rooms, stopping to speak with each and every one, taking photos and signing autographs. After the VA Hospital, Mike went to my local VFW in Norwood and spent 6 more hours visiting veterans, speaking at length with everyone, posing for photos and signing autographs. He was truly a BROTHER to the average veteran of all wars.


---------------------------------------------------------------------

Two Combat Aircew Crew Chiefs from Vietnam, Raymond " Mike " Clausen Jr., Medal of Honor recipient Vietnam & Master Gunnery Sergeant George T. Curtis USMC Retired get togeather to visit in bed patients at the West Roxbury, Ma. VA Hospital, October 25, 2001.

[GEORGE CURTIS]

Medal Of Honor Recipient RAYMOND "MIKE" CLAUSEN Jr. with "Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1969.

[pm3777]

Mike, you are already sorely missed!! Never had the pleasure of meeting you in person,my loss!! The day you departed on your last mission was appropriate with the holiday in your & all heros honored. Godspeed good Marine!!! Semper Fi PM

[Roy Pitt]

Men
Jardo needed ice at the tent, I was his crew at New River, and could not refuse him there or then or now. He was the old man, back from the Nam at 21 and I was the FNG at 19. On the way to the Liquor store for ice I near ran into a guy with a cane going from tent to tent, in order to say hey. It was a thing in passing to him but I told Carol on the way home that I had shaken hands with a MOH winner. Mike Clausen shook my hand and changed my life, how easy that can happen is a phenomenon.
Ok, how small is our world? I live in Texarkana, Tx. about 3 blocks from Ross Perot's boyhood home. I was in New River in '67-'68 and at Marble in '69 then DaNang in '70-'71. I am asking myself, did I know Mike Clausen, I say yes. I know you and in the same situation, you all were prepaired to do as he did. Does that make you all heros, ask me, I'll tell you. Mike, smiled past his infirmity, and said hello to me, does that make me a hero? Shoot no but that makes him my hero.
With the greatest respect and honor,
Roy M. Pitt

[howiebu]

Perhaps you can post an address where we can send condolances and perhaps a mass card?

[GEORGE CURTIS]

I assure you, when we get it, we will post it.

[Top A]

Mike is needed for a higher calling, Crewing for the greatest CnC of all. You are and will forever be missed. I meet Mike once in New River and had a kastung impression of a special person.
To Mr Perot Thanks for all you did. May your kindness be rewarded.
Lois our prayer and through are with you.
Semper Fi Hero
Jim Albro

[Top Brewer]

Brothers:

In November of 1969, I was on a medivac with Mike. We were in a rice paddy north of Quang Tri that was mined. We were trying to pick a 3rd Recon team. I stepped off of the rear ramp to pull a 3rd Recon member on board. Mike noticed that I was about to step on a mine and body slammed me back into the 46 before that could happen. So, I am here to post this missive because of Mike.

I left country Xmas day of 69. Mike did the mine field thing again, a month later. I have the good fortune of numerous pictures of him in San Diego from the 2000 reunion, which I will post with the webmaster. I have been in telephone contact, today, with fellow crewmate Chuck Harrell. Chuck has been accompaning Mike the last six months between Tennessee and Texas and is contact with Lois. They are also in contact with Ross Perot.

I asked Chuck about Arlington, he said NO. He said he talked to Lois, who said no. I asked about an appropriate headstone, he will be in touch. I asked about a trust account, he'll be in touch.

Meanwhile, Mike's business card from four years ago shows the following:

P.O. Box 991
Ponchatoula, LA 70454-3518

(985) 386-607

We will be in touch.

Samuel A. "TOP" Brewer
Corporal / USMC
H&MS 16 / 1969

[Darrell Asplund]

Semper Fi Mike!

I first met Mike while I was with HMM-263, Feb.-June 1969!
You are missed Mike, we'll all see you later, when our time comes!

[Joe Mitchell]

Mike Clausen is a friend of mine from a neighboring town, he lived in Hammond and I live in Denham Springs, Louisiana about 35 miles apart. He will be missed. Altho I do NOT know of the funeral arrangements as of yet, hope to hear soon. Semper Fi

[HEROCOINS]

SEMPER FI MIKE,

IT WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO SEE YOU. I WAS PROUD TO MAKE THE CHALLENGE COINS FOR YOU. I KNOW YOU ENJOYED GIVING THEM OUT. WHEN YOU SEE THE BIG GUY, GIVE HIM ONE, I THINK HE DESERVES IT.

S/F

DALE
A-1-12

[GEORGE CURTIS]

Hello everyone,

Here is the information for the funeral services and viewing for MOH Recipient Mike Clausen. Rick Lottie will be arriving on Saturday morning and returning back to Dallas on Monday evening. I plan on attending Mike’s funeral on Monday. If any of you may be able to attend, please let me know so that I can have the privilege of shaking your hand. Please pass this onto all Marines that you know and feel free to post this on military forums so that all who wish to attend will have the information at hand.



For those wishing to send Lois a card or letter, please let me know and I can provide you with her mailing address and for those who have asked where to send flowers to, please be so kind as to send them to the funeral home. Thank you all for your support and sentiments towards Mike and Lois.



Sincerely,

Christina Allen

callen@ottawork.com





The viewing will be on: Saturday and Sunday, June 5th and 6th 2004.

Saturday viewing hours: 4-7pm

Sunday viewing hours: 3-5pm



Harry McKneely & Sons Funeral Home

100 West Magnolia Street

Ponchatoula, LA 70454

(985) 386-6580



Funeral Services will be held on Monday, June 7, 2004 at 10am at:



St. Joseph Catholic Church

330 West Pine Street

Ponchatoula, LA 70454

(985) 386-3749



The family will be receiving guests at a reception after the funeral. The location is yet to be announced.



If there any questions or concerns, by all means, please feel free to contact me.

Christina Allen

callen@ottawork.com

[beddoe]

Respond directly to Christina via her e-mail below:

===
Do you know any Marines or of any MCL or Detachments in Louisiana???

I need a bit of help.

Thank you,

Christina Allen
callen@ottawork.com

[fremgens]

I was in HMM-263 with Mike Clausen in 1969 and 1970 at Marble Mountain. I woke him up many times to fly when I was the Duty NCO.

Mike will be missed; his smile lit up his face and our spirits many times.

Semper fi, Mike... another friend flies west one last time.

Steve Fremgen

[SgtWookie]

MGySgt George Holy and Raymond "Mike" Clausen, 09 NOV 2002

http://members.aol.com/thefifthace/GeorgeHolyMikeClausen09NOV2002.jpg

Mike came to the National Vietnam War Museum/Central Florida Vietnam Veterans hootch in east Orlando about 4-5 years ago; we were just talking about him at that party over the Memorial weekend - they had a blast. Mike always loved to party down - and what a sense of humor!

The world's going to be a lot sadder place without brother Mike :(

Meanwhile, I'm gearing up for the 700 mile drive to Mike's hometown. I'll have a set of 7 M1 Garands and blanks for 'em - but they don't have BFA's (blank firing adapters). I DO have 7 BFA's for M16s/AR15's w/"bird cage" type flash supressors and enough blanks to get the job done. I'll bring along my MCL Det's National Colors, MC Colors and POW/MIA colors - and, of course, my trusty cornet, in case there is need of a bugler. I was a member of an all-volunteer Marine Band attached to MATSG-90 @ NAS Memphis in '74 - we played 3 gigs the night of the 200th Marine Ball.

Gotta make sure Mike has an appropriate send-off on his way to Valhalla.

[Snakeson]

Sent a mail to the Baton Rouge Advocate that they shouldn't let this Marines passing be missed by their paper. They have assigned Chuck Reed to write an article on Mike. He mailed me and now has access to the site and will appreciate any input any members may have. I think he lives in Hammond. He is a Viet Vet himself. He is at chuckreed49@bellsouth.net.
Allen Ford
usmarine757@hotmail.com

[Snake0331]

I met Mike in November 1969 at the Main PX on Freedom Hill (Hill 327) near the 4-Corners area of DaNang, South Vietnam. If I remember correctly, Mike was on his second tour of duty in Vietnam. Both of us being from Louisiana, we bonded fairly quickly and had a few laughs, comparing the Dog Patch & 4-Corners Area of DaNang to the French Quarter area of New Orleans (pronounced N'Orleans).

Last year, my wife Kay and I got to spend a couple of days with Mike, Lois, and their niece in Covington, Louisiana; and, to say "We had a good time" doesn't do our visit justice. Like Mike said, "Snake, I think this has been a Special Day for both of us".

On May 30, 2004, the original date of Memorial Day, former Private Raymond Michael "Mike" Clausen, Jr., USMC departed this temporary earthly life of trials and tribulations on a trip into an eternal life of heavenly happiness. It is indeed fitting for this True American Patriot and Veteran's Veteran to pass from this life on Memorial Day, a day sat aside to honor the many veterans who have paid the supreme sacrifice for our freedom. Mike, a Medal of Honor recipient, was a personal fiend who I looked up to, viewing him as "A Marine's Marine".

Mike's war has finally come to an end; and, he has joined the ranks of his fellow veterans. I miss him greatly.

Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful, especially to My Friends)

Loyde P. "Snake" Arender
Monroe, Louisiana

E-Mail: kaybran@webtv.net

26th Marine Regiment Buddy Locator Registry website: http://community.webtv.net/kaybran/26thMarineRegiment/
http://community.webtv.net/kaybran/26thMarineRegiment/

[beddoe]

Posting on behalf of Christina:

-----
WOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!!

I think after about 85 phone conversations starting from 6:30am this morning, I have FINALLY received a confirmation that there will in fact be a team of Active and Reserve Marines in full dress blues serving as Honor Guards to receive Mike from the airplane in New Orleans and will escort him all the way to Ponchatoula.

Thank you all for your help!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!! Please also read below:

Christina Allen
callen@ottawork.com


-----
Ms Allen. per the e-mails below and our previous conversations along with all The Honor Guards, Flag, Escorts, etc,etc, we will also be providing a Color Guard detail.. everything is been prepared and set as we speak all members are coordinating and we will have everything as planned. Again if there is something that we missed or any other problem please, call or e-mail ,,,Thanks

Semper Fidelis
R/S
MGySgt Fernando Lazo
4th MAW ALD Chief

[gordon boswell]

I knew Mike for quite a few years. My wife Cheryl and I just moved from Denham Springs LA. to Ponchatoula in Feb. Mike helped me for four years with the VA. We will all miss him dearly.
Rest in Peace Brother,

Semper Fi,
Gordon "Bos~"Boswell
RVN 69-71
USMC

[Indianhead]

I'm not a Marine, just a grunt from the 4Bn/31Inf, 196th Light Infantry Brigade, US Army. And, don't have much, but a couple of acres in Hammond, La. No CMH, just a CIB.

For those who want to attend Mike's funeral, but can't afford
hotels, it don't mean nothin'. I have a couple of acres for you, your shelter halves and sleepin' bags. Latrines and rations available.

Don't let cash keep you from the funeral. We worked with y'all
in I Corps in 70-71 and y'all are brothers-in-arms. Y'all come.

Semper-Fi MFs, Semper-Fi.
Duty, Honor, Country...

Chuck "Indianhead" Reed,
Hammond, La. (985) 429-1810

[Top Brewer]

NOT YEAH! OOOORAAAHH!

[Barney Espinoza]

I am sadden to learn of Mike's passing. I served with Mike when he was a Crew Chief and I was the Flight Operations Chief in HMM-263, RVN 69-70. I flew with Mike on many missions as a gunner. I always enjoyed his humor and through the years I often received all sorts of e-messages from him. The last time I saw Mike was at the Pensecola reunion in '98.

Mike is now on his good flight and my prayers are with him and his survivors.

Until we form again old buddy, Semper fi.

Barney Espinoza MSgt USMC(retired)

[Patrick Hayes]

Lois called me at midnight last night; we talked about the times we all were together: You, Lois, and me. Not much talk about the upcoming funeral.....just yakking about you and how much she loves you. Your neighbor was with her so I know she's not alone in the house (except for "Baby"). You have a tough Marine wife (wingman) in Lois - I think she'll do all right, buddy.

You called me in April when you finally got home from hospitals; you were happy to be home again. In that conversation I promised you that I would stay in touch with Lois after your gone.

I will keep that promise till the day I die.....so help me God.

Farewell my friend ... my hero, my brother.

"DeathBeforeDishonor"

Semper Fidelis
Patrick Hayes
"Choppergunner"
RVN 65-67
HMM-263/HMM-361

[GEORGE CURTIS]

A Marine Corps hero died over the recent Memorial Day weekend. After a long battle with various health problems, Raymond Michael Clausen, Jr., a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, passed away during the evening hours of Sunday, May 30, 2004. Mike's wife, Lois, was at his side.

Mike was in one of the finest hospitals in the country, Baylor University Medical Center located in Dallas, TX. He was being attended to by the best doctors and nurses available, but unfortunately, there was simply nothing more that could be done to save him.

Mike was the only enlisted Air Wing Marine to receive the Medal of Honor in Viet Nam. He served with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 (HMM 263) as a crew chief, and on January 31, 1970 flew the mission for which he received the Medal of Honor. The official citation is noted below.

The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to PRIVATE FIRST CLASS RAYMOND M. CLAUSEN, JR. UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following 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 Viet Nam 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 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.

/S/ RICHARD M. NIXON

Born October 14, 1947, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Mike graduated from Hammond (Louisiana) High School in 1965, and then attended college for six months. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve at New Orleans, March 30, 1966, and was discharged to enlist in the regular Marine Corps, May 27, 1966. Private Clausen underwent recruit training with the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, and individual combat training with the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Training Regiment at Camp Pendleton, California. He then completed Aviation Mechanical Fundamentals School and the Basic Helicopter Course, Naval Air Technical Training Center, Memphis, Tennessee. Upon completion of his training in April 1967, he was transferred to Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26), Marine Corps Air Facility, New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina, and served as jet engineer mechanic with HMM-365 and, later, as guard with MABS-26. In December 1967, Private Clausen was ordered overseas where he was to serve as jet helicopter mechanic throughout his remaining active duty service obligation. Joining the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, he was with H&MS-36, MAG-36 until September 1968, then with HMM-364, MAG-16 until the following August. Private Clausen returned to the United States, where he joined MAG-26 at New River for duty with HMM-261. In November 1969, he began his second tour of duty with HMM-263, MAG-16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On August 19, 1970, upon his return to the United States, he was released from active duty. In addition to the Medal of Honor, his decorations include: the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with 98 strike flight awards, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Viet Nam Service Medal with one silver star and one bronze star, the Republic of Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, the Viet Nam Campaign Medal with device, Air Crewman Insignia with three gold stars, and the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.

Preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Raymond M. Clausen, Sr., and brother, Jerry Clausen, Mike is survived by his wife of nearly 28 years, Lois, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana; brothers: GySgt Carl Clausen, USMC (Ret) of Hammond, Louisiana; former Marine Erdwin Clausen of Manila, Philippine Islands; sister, Christine Clausen Ballard of Albany, Louisiana; and 11 year-old beloved niece, Lois Lavita Evans O’Sullivan of Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

The Clausen family wishes to express a heartfelt debt of gratitude to Mr. Ross Perot for his loving care and personal attention of Mike. Mr. Perot’s assistance was a true act of patriotism and loyalty from one former military man to another in need.

Viewings will be from 4 to 7 PM, Saturday, June 5, 2004, and from 3 to 5 PM, Sunday, June 6, 2004, at Harry McKneely & Sons Funeral Home, 100 West Magnolia Street, Ponchatoula, LA 70454, tel (985) 386-6580.

Funeral services will be held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 330 West Pine Street, Ponchatoula, LA 70454, tel 985-386-3749, at 10 AM, Monday, June 7, 2004, with burial immediately following at the Ponchatoula City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Fleur de Lis, 111 North 6th Street, Ponchatoula, tel 985-386-0710, immediately following burial.

Donations may be made to the Mike Clausen Memorial Fund, First Community Bank, 600 SW Railroad Avenue, Hammond, LA 70403, attention Vivian Brown.


-----------------------------------------
Posted for

Uncle Bobby
"Bob" Sackett

nolasack@cox.net

[timothy]

Farewell "Brother"
Semper Fi,
Tim

[Brian Gunther]

This is truely a sad day for the Corps. I had the honor of meeting Mike while attending MAWTS-1 WTI course in 1998. He was a guest speaker to the whole enlisted aircrew class. It was a true honor to have met, a true hero.

Semper Fi.

SSgt Gunther

[Larry Zok]

Said goodby to Mike on my favorite radio station today. I called them last week after he died and requested "We gotta get out of this place". Today, they were doing the year 1970 (How appropriate since Mike earned the MOH in that year). I again told them of Mike and his actions and asked them to play "Fortunate Son" by CCR. They did and my reaction was more powerful than I would have believed. I was crying driving down the road. One more Marine reporting in to Chesty at Heaven.

SF

LZ

[GARY ALLS]

Guys,
I received this e-mail a few days ago and I have sent it to all members of HMM-263 that I have an e-mail address for. If you could be of service to Mark please do so. I met Mike at the P'cola reunion and will always remember his smile and quick humor.

S/F Gary Alls
HMM-263
Class of '66-'67



Sir,

I don't think we have met but I am a member of PopAsmoke. I was a Huey and then a Cobra pilot with HML 367 in 1969 and 70. I am now a professional sculptor and am presently working on a set of small sculptures to commemorate one of your squadron mates - Mike Clausen. I met with Mike about an hour in 2002 at the Pensacola reunion where we photographed and measured him for the purpose of someday making a commemorative life size bust. I really regret that circumtances did not permit us to move forward with the project at that time and now he is gone!

I am writing you to request assistance with finding information about Mike - personal stories, after action reports, pictures, etc. We will use these materials first to set up a display about him at the upcoming reunion in Reno and to establish a website that helps to preserve the legacy of his valor, and that of all Marine flight crews that served in Vietnam. Perhaps various squadron mates in HMM 263 have in their personal collections pictures of Mike that have not been published on the web. These would be very helpful in our work.

You can get an idea of what we will do with this project by visiting the website of Valor Remembered Foundation below. With Valor Remembered I am currently working to develop a project to creat a memorial to Steve Pless in his home time as well as possibly to create a "USMC Vietnam Helicopter Flight Crew Memorial" based upon the a sculpture of the entire crew which together is the most highly decorated flight crew for a single mission in the history of American aviation - tied with a WWII bomber crew.

Please pass this request on to your squadron mates.

Semper fi,



Mark - Scarface 47
"On your six - guns hot"




Mark Austin Byrd -SCULPTORS
13309 Peyton Drive
Dallas, TX 75240

972-233-7677
www.scarface-usmc.org
www.markbyrd.com
www.valorremembered.org

[GEORGE CURTIS]

A great work in progress by one of HML-367 "SCARFACE" pilots

Mark would like any photos of Mike sent to him ASAP at

www.markbyrd.com




Mark Austin Byrd -SCULPTORS
13309 Peyton Drive
Dallas, TX 75240

972-233-7677

www.markbyrd.com

www.valorremembered.org

[GEORGE CURTIS]

A great work in progress by one of HML-367 "SCARFACE" pilots

Mark would like any photos of Mike sent to him ASAP at

www.markbyrd.com




Mark Austin Byrd -SCULPTORS
13309 Peyton Drive
Dallas, TX 75240

972-233-7677

www.markbyrd.com

www.valorremembered.org

[Sweet Spider]

I haven't visited the Pop A Smoke site in several months. When I did I read about Mike and was saddened to hear the news. I served with Mike at Marble Mountain (Hmm-263). Mike was a memorable guy for a lot of reasons. I flew with him many times during 1970. He wasn't the kind of guy to show boat. And although he was being recommended for the Medal of Honor you never heard it from him. He was a solid guy who cared more for his fellow Marines than he did for himself or his rank (he was a private the whole time I knew him). He was the most professional and competent crew chief I had ever flown with. I was very proud to have had the honor of serving with him. May God bless his soul. My sincere regrets to his family and friends.

Warren Molee
HMM-263
Marble Mountain RVN 1969-70
Semper Fi

[accs]

I know others are aware, but I thought that the links sent to me today by David C. Bennett, warranted being posted here.

http://www.carolinasaviation.org/images/Helicopters/CH-46/RaymondClausenNews.jpg (http://www.carolinasaviation.org/images/Helicopters/CH-46/RaymondClausenNews.jpg)

and

http://www.carolinasaviation.org/press/ch46progress.html (http://www.carolinasaviation.org/press/ch46progress.html)

[Joe Reed]

Brook,
Thanks for updating us on the "Clausen bird". I'm sure we all appreciate those that are able to donate their generous time and all important knowledge and experience to this important project. I was in and out of Charlotte-Douglas last month, and wanted to see the museum and bird. However it was the middle of an ice storm and the business trip I was on had to take priority, this time.
Wish I was in the area to help with the wrench turning....Good luck and godspeed, folks!

[Ryan]

There are photo's in Visions of Iraq - Stateside at

http://www.popasmoke.com/visions-iraq/index.php?page=view&category=1&PHPSESSID=39ac37807e3aa88b42db52518170ccd7

of all the progress photos I have too date, not all the photos were taken by me, but forwarded to me from Dean Demmery (Tarheel53)
http://www.popasmoke.com/notam2/showthread.php?t=4070

Semper Fi,
Ryan