The Highest Honor

During the Vietnam War, Pfc. Raymond M. Clausen Jr. served as a CH-46 crew chief. On Jan. 31, 1970, Clausen observed a platoon of nearly 20 Marines and Navy corpsmen trapped in a minefield taking heavy enemy fire. After guiding the pilot to land, Clausen left the safety of the aircraft six times to rescue 11 injured Marines and recover one deceased Sailor. Clausen's actions earned him the sacred Medal of Honor, which was awarded to him by President Richard Nixon, June 15, 1971.