Looking at the ol' Sitemeter, it looks like I'll hit 2,000,000 hits on Monday or Tuesday. Too bad I won't be here to see it. Thanks to all my readers, even the trolls, who have helped me achieve this milestone.
Actually I passed the 2 million mark a few weeks back if you count the 25,000 hits I got on my old Blowspot site, but this makes it official.
Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
Posted by denny at May 25, 2007 09:30 PMNo, DON'T have "A Great Memorial Day Weekend"!
Have a Memorial Day.
I will share with you why I am alive today.
I will share with you a "shitbird-Marine" who was the Salt of the Earth.
A Marine that went from E5-E1 and back again like a yo-yo; I'll share with you the only Marine of my aquaintance to have both the broadest sense of humor and the most-deadly sense of duty that I have ever known.
Vietnam War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient
Pvt. Raymond M. Clausen Jr. USMC
PRIVATE
RAYMOND M. CLAUSEN, JR. USMCR
Vietnam War 1965-1973
Medal of Honor Recipient
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 (in lieu of going to Portsmouth Naval Prison!).
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 (and my) return to the United States, he was released from active duty.
A list of his medals and decorations include:
the Medal of Honor,
the Air Crewman Insignia and
the Air Medal, both with three Gold Stars,
the Combat Action Ribbon,
the Purple Heart,
the Presidential Unit Citation,
the Good Conduct Medal, (Ha!!!)
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 Marine Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.
Private Clausen's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Raymond M. Clausen, Sr., of Hammond, Louisiana.
DATA:
Rank and organization:
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
Place and date:
Republic of Vietnam , 31 January 1970 .
Entered service at:
New Orleans , La.
Born: 14 October 1947 , New Orleans , La.
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 during operations against enemy forces.
Participating in a helicopter rescue mission to extract elements of a platoon of Alpha Co. 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division which had inadvertently entered a minefield while attacking enemy positions, Pfc. Clausen skillfully guided the helicopter pilot to a landing in an area cleared by 1 of several mine explosions.
With 11 Marines wounded, 1 dead, and the remaining 8 Marines holding their positions for fear of detonating other mines, Pfc. Clausen quickly leaped from the helicopter and, in landing, 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 6 separate further-occasions to carry out his rescue efforts.
On 1 occasion, while he was carrying 1 of the wounded, another mine detonated, killing a Corpsman and wounding 3 other men. Only when he was certain that all Marines were safely aboard, did he signal the pilot to lift the helicopter.
By the courageous, determined and inspiring efforts in the face of the utmost danger, Pfc. Clausen upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and of the U.S. Naval Service.
Former Marine Pvt. Raymond Michael Clausen prefered to be called "Mike."
"Every time they called me Raymond, I was in trouble," he said, smiling. "The only one to call me Raymond - and I wasn't in trouble - was President Nixon."
That was the day Clausen received the Congressional Medal of Honor for risking his life in Vietnam. He saved an entire platoon that was trapped, under fire, and in a mine field.
"The pilot kept telling me, 'no, no, you stay on this aircraft, everybody stays on this aircraft, nobody gets off this aircraft!' but I was already gone," Clausen said. "I said 'to hell with it ... we've got to get these guys out.'"
Clausen was crew chief on a CH-46 helicopter stencilled "Blood, Sweat & Tears".
On the ground, 20 Marines were surrounded - 11 of them already wounded. Clausen repeatedly left the safety of the chopper to get us home alive.
"I ran over there (and) picked up the guys that couldn't walk," Clausen said. "The ones that could walk were under the assumption I knew where the mines were, obviously, and so they followed every footstep I made back to the helicopter."
Clausen never much liked being called a hero, but he said, that over time, he got used to it.
In his mind, however, the real hero is Ross Perot - "the Man!", he says, who saved his life.
Perot's legendary efforts on behalf of Veteran's have taken him to Vietnam and beyond. When Dallas held a parade for veterans of the first Gulf War, Perot flew in Medal of Honor winners, including Clausen. Now, however, Clausen suffered from Hepatitis C and Diabetes, which he said he got from Agent Orange in Vietnam. He died 3 years ago this Weekend.
So did Clausen do it because he wanted to be brave, or a hero?
"No," he says firmly. "I did it because there were troops out in the field that needed help getting out - brother Marines, if you want to call them that. We were all the same, all Green Brothers."
And, thanks to a friend, Clausen, here is one more Brother who came home alive.
Sorry to have Remembered in such great detail & length.
But, after all, it IS
Memorial Day.
Posted by: DanS on May 26, 2007 04:12 AMDan S. I do believe that not only will my family have a Memorial Day, it will be a great one. Why? Because of guys like Clausen. Because of guys like you, because of guys and ladies who have served, and continue to do so. Yeah, we'll do the bbq thing, flip a burger and a brat, have a laugh or two, act like the ugly Americans that we are. But don't think for a minute that we forget what the day is about or what it means. It isn't lost on us.
I'm glad that you wrote in detail and length, so that people know the story of Mike and so many others. It's good to be reminded and remember
Thank you Dan S.
And DanS's post reinforces again why we are the greatest country on earth. Because of people like the one he wrote about we can enjoy the day today while still being thankful and reverent (sp?) of what it took to get us here.
DanS......
Never be sorry for remembering in such great detail or at such great length the accomplishments & sacrifices of an American serviceman. There are far to many in this country who actively try to diminish what has been given to protect the freedoms of these who so willingly betray our country by thought ,word or deed.
DanS, I want you to know just how thankful I am for the service you & all of those who marched alongside with you in the uniform of all the various branches of our armed forces have given.
Thanks to you,.... Private Raymond M.Clausen Jr. will be remembered by all of us as we in our own way honor those who served & sacrificed for this country today. To his parents....Mr & Mrs Raymond M. Clausen Sr , I offer my heartfelt prayers for their son ....our Marine.
DanS....this was your finest Post ...." Semper Fidelis "
Posted by: dudley1 on May 26, 2007 09:07 AMMy Grand daughter asked me how Grampa (my dad, I wasn't good enough to serve) got his Purple Heart just yesterday. I told her about WWII and the Devil Dogs as best I could. Her step dad leaves for the sand box soon. Although she loves what grampa did, she did say that she hopes her step dad doesn't get one.
DanS, thank you for giving your service to our country and sharing Mike's story. It reminds those of us who were not good enough how great those of you who have served or are serving truly are.
Thanks
He died 3 years ago this week-end.
His Wife, Lois, said it was because he drank-to-excess, smoked, ate red-meat and never exercised.
That may-indeed hasten an end to the physical-body, but I'd not be typing here today without what his Spirit had to say and exert for me those 37-some Years ago.
I don't know what it is & I can't explain it in words, but I KNOW that there is something-to-it about an energy ... a Soul .. that affects & impacts me deeply on an enduring-basis.
It forces me to consider that we are all One .... that we never really die .... that our 'essence' lives on and is made-available for any and all who might want to partake of it.
It causes me to live in such a way as to possibly-HOPE;
to possibly-hope that someone, some where, someday might want to draw upon my silly-little-existence as having something worth comment or value.
Yes, that might be considered selfish, but .... after all, I once WAS a "self".
I therefore say to you (as I say to Myself):
Live YOUR Life as if each moment is your last .... live as if only the very-moment you die is the Record-Moment ... the record-moment you want presented to Eternity as the record of the definitive you.
It's stood-me-well for 56 years; It's kept me out of trouble, it's bestowed me with Money & 'stuff' and also allowed me to have that AMAZING-happiness of going around a corner and seeing something totally-unexpected. It's allowed me to have the questionable happiness of my Life-Partner.
We are ALL Hero's! We think we need to be presented with a precise-&-certain set of circumstance in order to reap what this means, but ...
That's just us Human's thinking things.
A Good, Decent, Loving God of our own personal understanding is enough.
Raymond "Mike" Clausen demonstrated the Truth of that for me.
Which is why I remember him on this Memorial Day weekend.
DanS ......
We all as our journey through life wends to its inevitable conclusion lose friends which make a mark on our conscience or soul......it is when one loses someone who gave & sacrificed as did this Marine.......rest in peace Mike, we all need to remember, Thanks again!
Dudley1 Back to Base!
Posted by: dudley1 on May 27, 2007 01:41 PMHope you are enjoying yourself Denny. Congrats on the number of hits here on the site. I spent Memorial day with my family. I consider myself very lucky to be a citizen of the US and being able to serve in the nav as well. I then gave Cindy Sheehan a goodbye kick in the ass at abcnews.com:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2007/05/sheehan_steps_o.html#comment-70953866
User Comments
Good riddance to that twit. Years after her son's death she had not had the decency to even put a marker on her own son's grave.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JuTFtfmtEQ
Even the Democrats dislike her. Too moonbat for a party full of moonbats. I respect her son and his sacrifice, but I have zero respect for her. I feel she is a traitor, and even her own party knows it. I am sure she will probably take her own life now, she is mentally ill.
Posted by: vetfromhell | May 29, 2007 4:35:03 AM
Her son is missed; she is not.
Carry on smartly!
Posted by: vetfromhell on May 29, 2007 04:42 AMhttp://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2007/05/sheehan_steps_o.html#comment-70958010
This thread on abcnews.com is getting better. Reads from bottom:
User Comments
C'mon Michael. Get a translation program or ask one of the other 20 cholos living in that apartment what I just said. Quote another fake statistic. Another moonbat traitor talking point. Try and keep up. How can you slap a republican when you do not know English or how to type. Over?
Posted by: vetfromhell | May 29, 2007 6:28:54 AM
Also, whether I agree with Cindy or not, whether I am Republican or Democrate, Man, Woman, married or single. . . I thank GOD I live in a country where you can still say what you think! God Bless America! I pray we still defend our rights to speak freely!
Posted by: Deb | May 29, 2007 6:20:46 AM
Good job, Michael illegal.Keep those tax dollars coming. Make sure to pay some after you send the big check home via western union to your mom in tiajuana. I'm a disabled US Vet that got wounded in a war that happened before you were even born. You rail against the war and sh*t. Other than quoting fake numbers like your fallen idiots Sheehan and O'Donnel what have you ever done for the US? Tell me one damn thing you ever did for this country you liberal moonbat fake talking point moron. One thing. Your turn, puta.
Posted by: vetfromhell | May 29, 2007 6:16:11 AM
Wow compassion in the USA again is heartwarming, i am surprised noone is screaming for her to be tried and shot like a traitor. She was absolutely right to quit the Democratic party after they resigned to bush jr. I hope she can find comfort from her family at home, because clearly none can be found in the US. Blessed be.
Posted by: wulfe | May 29, 2007 6:10:38 AM
TO:vetfromhell ...I believe she was doing what she was doing out of LOVE for her lost son, and to prevent other parents from going through that same loss. You are a sick individual to make such a statement. And obviously a fine BRAINWASHED product of the Bush administrations all volunteer military, which is actaully made up of 50% no-bid contrat forces. She did not pick the democrats...they picked her. Your mentality is what has manged to keep the OCCUPATION going. We as Americans have gained NOTHING from this. Except of course more distrust and disrespect from the rest of the world. She can not change what did happen to her son. But she may have helped open the worlds eyes to the boy Bush and the NeoCons. Saddam wanted to open talks with the USA prior to our "going in" with just about the same reactionless Bush attitude. I feel sorry for all involved. While the troops were over ther thinking they were fighting for America and Freedom, the government was over here eviserating our constitution. I sure hope none of them feel proud of that when they find out what went on while they were gone.
Posted by: Tumbleweedin | May 29, 2007 6:08:21 AM
I think we are lumping two issues into one. Shame on Bush's team for giving wrong information to get us into this mess! But we are there and we must support and pray for every precious soldier over there and let them help the majority of the people that want a better place to live. We pray every night for thier safety and hope they are home soon and safe.
Posted by: Deb | May 29, 2007 6:04:03 AM
Another stupid cracker with the sacrifice our troops mentality. Hey you moron, I'm an American that probably pays more taxes than you. So STFU
Posted by: Michael Rodriguez | May 29, 2007 6:00:57 AM
Sigh. Another illegal alien cut and runner gone again. Next?
Posted by: vetfromhell | May 29, 2007 5:53:05 AM
Is that where your mother is Michael?
Posted by: vetfromhell | May 29, 2007 5:36:19 AM
Go back to Kentucky you stupid cracker.
Posted by: Michael Rodriguez | May 29, 2007 5:25:58 AM
Go back to mexico Michael, and stop mooching off of the US economy. Mucho Gracias, bentayo.
Posted by: vetfromhell | May 29, 2007 5:15:58 AM
We all know to be a conservative is to be a coward. We all know you neoclowns (28% who love Bush) have never sacrificed a damn thing. We all know conservatives (fascist) want other people's kid's (not their own) to fight this war. To be a conservative is to be a person with an inferior brain. The evidence of conservatives having inferior brains is they still believe 9/11 and Iraq were connected. I say bitch slap a Republican today. These cowards have blood on their hands and they must pay.
Posted by: Michael Rodriguez | May 29, 2007 5:08:52 AM
Good riddance to that twit. Years after her son's death she had not had the decency to even put a marker on her own son's grave.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JuTFtfmtEQ
Even the Democrats dislike her. Too moonbat for a party full of moonbats. I respect her son and his sacrifice, but I have zero respect for her. I feel she is a traitor, and even her own party knows it. I am sure she will probably take her own life now, she is mentally ill.
Posted by: vetfromhell | May 29, 2007 4:35:03 AM
The abcnews.com folks just removed most of my posts from the thread, and left Michael Rodriguez's posts in place. Imagine that! The libs are collapsing in on themselves. Every dog has his day. IP ban next. I luv me some internetz! Serios Bizness..
Posted by: vetfromhell on May 29, 2007 06:44 AMHi fellas, and Lisa....don't let me interrupt or anything. Hope youse all had an earnest and meaningful Memorial Day. Thanks for your service, to those who served in our Armed Forces...just wanted to shimmy in here and wish Denny a Happy 2,000,000 (I'm 2,000,997). OK, carry on.
Posted by: Erica on May 29, 2007 07:45 AMI dunno what that whole above thingy was. Denny needs to surface soon...?
It's a thread from abcnews.com where I was arguing with some libs and they censored it. Only the posts with vetfromhell on there were mine, the rest was lib gibberish. Kinda verbose in retrospect. Best wishes ladies.
Posted by: vetfromhell on May 30, 2007 09:29 AM"Blood, Sweat and Tears" is now in The Carolinas Aviation Museum.
"On the ground, 20 Marines were surrounded – 11 of them already wounded. Clausen repeatedly left the safety of the chopper to get them home alive. Despite the ever-present threat of further mine explosions, he continued his valiant efforts, leaving the comparatively safe-area of the helicopter on 6 separate occasions to carry out his rescue efforts."
Clausen was the only enlisted member of Marine Corps Aviation to win the Medal of Honor during Vietnam.
Thanks to the hard work of Creason Automotive, Dean Demmery, Brent Van Dervort & many others, the first shipment of helicopter parts has arrived at the Museum.
"We will bring the rest of the helicopter (the aft 25%) back to the Museum with us when we return from the MCAS Cherry Point Air Show later in May."
Now, this historic helicopter is itself being rescued. The CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, named “Blood, Sweat and Tears”, will arrive at the Carolinas Aviation Museum on April 2, 2007 between 10 a.m. and Noon.
This helicopter not only saw combat in Vietnam, but also in Iraq. It received combat damage in Iraq and was considered uneconomical to repair.
Because of the historic significance of this particular aircraft, the U.S. Marine Corps would not abandon it in Iraq. With the assistance of a US Air Force C-5A crew, it was taken apart and flown back to Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, North Carolina.
Carolinas Aviation Museum volunteers will bring the helicopter to the Museum from Cherry Point. It will be completely repaired, restored and put on permanent display in honor of the U. S. Marine Corps and Pfc. Clausen.
There are very few helicopters or aircraft that have been saved with as much history as this CH-46 Sea Knight.
Thanks Vetfromhell, I sort of figgered that, but didn't have my abc news bullshit decoder ring on at the time.
Posted by: LisaKay on May 31, 2007 06:06 AMDan S. Cool Beans!
Do you live near there to see it? Do you plan on seeing it anytime soon? If/when you go my thoughts will be with you.
LK:
I'm in Atlanta & will be going over to CAM sometime this fall. We also have our USMC/Combat Helicopter Association Reunion in DC in 2008 and a splinter-group of us will go down to Carolina on our own.
Posted by: DanS on May 31, 2007 09:00 AMDanS,
You were in Marine Aviation? My father in law is an ex Marine. He went Army to become a pilot and flew in Nam. If you want some info, e-mail me. If you go to any of the interservice functions, you might know him.
Jeremy:
I was Marine Infantry and then Marine Aviation.
I then went on to USAF.
I attend at least 3 Reunion events every year.
Posted by: DanS on May 31, 2007 11:39 PMDanS-
Because you posted a comment around the same time you emailed me I will respond here...
You asked, "What would Americans say to President Bush if they could talk to him about the situation in Iraq for 15 minutes?"
- I would rake him over the coals while asking him why the entire Middle East hasn't been reduced to glass in approx. 6 1/2 years, why the border hasn't been SEALED, and why ENGLISH isn't the OFFICAL language of The Untied States. I could go on, and on...
Then, your "quote" was, "A strong majority would talk to Bush about getting U.S. troops out."
- What does that have to do with the "15 minutes?" Does that mean YOUR 15 minutes with Dubya? What would your 15 minutes with Clintoon entail? Just curious... Got a saxophone, some McDonalds fries, and a cigar while jogging on MTV?
That's cute...
I guarantee your 15 would be completely different than mine, and that's what keeps me coming back here, but what's your definition of "A strong majority?"
The diversion techniques, (like someone we all know), are really cute, but where are you going with this?
A random forwarded email from some kook from KOS doesn't impress me in the least. Patronize me...
CD:
MY 15 minutes w/Clinton? Why, that's as simple as some Folk!
I'd simply ask him to explain to my satisfaction why he took his National Television appearance to both LIE and ruin his Presidency over the Lewinsky-thing!
He perhaps 'thought' it was the "He-Man"-thing to do ........... but, regardless of where he got that idea, I would ask him why he chose to ruin his 8-year Presidency over such a trivial thing ....... when it could have been his defining-Leadership moment for ALL of America (and perhaps the World).
As regards the rest of your plaints, haven't you figured it out YET?
The Bush 43 Presidency is & is about one thing and one thing ONLY:
MAKE SOME MONEY!
I have read you long enough to know that your solution(s) to just about any & all things is to kill, and kill, and kill, and kill some more.
While I commend both your consistency & simpleness of message, I know you don't actually believe nor put into practice that which you post.
But I MUST ask you: why are you not behind Bush 43???
Posted by: DanS on June 1, 2007 02:37 AMHEY I REALLY NEED ATTENTION. LOOK AT ME.
Posted by: vetfromhell on June 1, 2007 02:55 AMDanS-
"I have read you long enough to know that your solution(s) to just about any & all things is to kill, and kill, and kill, and kill some more?"
-BULLSHIT! C'Mon Dan, get over it already... If you think that, then your kite needs to fly as high as you are, man...
You haven't read me long enough to understand a fucking thing about me if that's what you think.
You "know I don't actually believe nor put into practice that which I post?"
????
GMAFB!
Some examples would be nice...
Posted by: CharlieDelta on June 1, 2007 03:06 AMCD:
Why would you exploit our personal email-conversations like that?
Had I wanted a discussion here about topics posted in private, I'd have posted here .......-and I did not do that.
I'm assigning you a 15-post FOUL and will not respond to you for that period.
NOT because I can't answer you fair & cogent, but because you chose to betray a trust.
Bud Wiser you are now, right?
Posted by: DanS on June 1, 2007 03:06 AMMaybe because you post here, and at the same time email me with the same drivel?
"I have read you long enough to know that your solution(s) to just about any & all things is to kill, and kill, and kill, and kill some more."
You tell me DanS.
Afterall, you obviously know me from what I practice and don't preach, right?
Posted by: CharlieDelta on June 1, 2007 03:13 AMYou have read me long enough to know that all I want to do is kill, kill, kill?
Read it again, dude...
If you read into "defend" as "kill, kill, kill", I don't know how to respond...
Respectfully,
CD
DanS or Dimocratic talking points?
Its all about making money, Its for Bushs oil buddies, Its the bush crime family, Bush lied, Bush is stupid, Bush is mastermining a coverup....Blah,Blah,Blah & Blah!.....Oh yeah, Clinton was a great President, respected in Europe & all.
Never changes does it DANS, you are barely indistinquishable from Pelosi`s speech writing team.
Posted by: dudley1 on June 1, 2007 06:44 AMDanS-
I know I'm early on my "15-post FOUL", and you're not going to respond, but I have to ask you something...
....what do you mean by me "betraying a trust?" By "trust" do you mean YOU forwarding me some random email from another BDS victim? The foward button is easier than Monica. If you want to have conversation, then write me something yourself.
Seriously man... That's pretty weak if you ask me.
If you're going to ask me to respond to something worth responding to, I will be more than happy to put in my 2-cents, but if you're going to ask me to respond to a slutted-out email about how Bush43 is bad and ruined this Country, then lose my email address...
Can I buy you a saxophone and some fries while being a Paper Tiger?
Posted by: CharlieDelta on June 2, 2007 02:55 AMNow I have a lib stalker! unreal....
Posted by: vetfromhell on June 3, 2007 12:48 PM