Pacific Stars and Stripes information
for HMM-263

For date 700410


HMM-263 was a US Marine Corps unit
Primary service involved, US Marine Corps
Quang Nam Province, I Corps, South Vietnam
Location, Da Nang
Description: The following is an edited version of an article titled "Braves Minefield 6 Times" DA NANG (Special) - A Marine helicopter crew chief, Pfc. Raymond M. Clausen, made six trips through a minefield to rescue injured Leathernecks. The incident occurred during a sweep and clear operation near the Sung Vu Gia River in central Quang Nam Province. Clausen's CH-46 helicopter from Marine Medium Helicopter Sq. 263, piloted by Lt. Col. Walter Ledbetter, was flying in support of the 1st Marine Regt. Leathernecks during the operation. The unit was in light contact with enemy forces when one squad crossed into an old overgrown minefield setting off a mine and injuring several men. After a briefing on the situation, Ledbetter decided to attempt a landing to rescue the trapped Marines. With Clausen's assistance, the pilot maneuvered the CH-46 over the field, setting down three times to pick up small groups of Marines. Each time, Clausen left the craft and carried the wounded men to safety. During the first two stops, Clausen made three trips into the field retrieving the mend wounded during the initial explosions. When the bird set down the third time it detonated another mine. The concussion and flying fragments caused two more casualties and slight damage to the helicopter. As a result, Clausen made three more trips into the minefield.
Comments: LTC Ledbetter, Walter; pilot HMM-263; ; PFC Clausen, Raymond M.; CE HMM-263; ;

The source for this information was 7004pss.avn supplied by Les Hines 02/02/2000


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Last updated 02/03/2000

Date posted on this site: 05/13/2023