Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Hospitalman

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    8th Marines

    Action Date:

    March 20, 1978

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Hospitalman Robert Alan Clasen, United States Navy, for heroism while attached to Company A, First Battalion, Eighth Marines on the evening of 20 March 1978 in Carboneras, Spain. Observing the crash of a CH-53 helicopter, Hospitalman Clasen, with complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal danger involved, unhesitatingly moved forward and forced his way into the wreckage despite repeated warnings that the aircraft could explode at any moment. Discovering several critically injured passengers who were unable to move, he quickly freed them from the wreckage and assisted in their evacuation from the helicopter. Hospitalman Clasen remained inside the wreckage, with no chance for his own escape, until he was certain that all casualties had been removed. Only then did he exit to assist in triage and the further evacuation of the injured to MEDEVAC helicopters. Hospitalman Clasen’s prompt and courageous actions in the face of great risk helped save several lives; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.