What began as a single mission to honor WWII veterans by bringing them to see their memorial in 2005 has now honored more than 300,000 veterans in over 149 hubs nationwide. Central Valley Honor Flight lifted off Sept. 16-18 for the 29th flight with 67 Korean and Vietnam war veterans on board. Their journey took them on a private capital tour along with visiting the memorials that both honor their military branches and their service. Participation in the Honor Flight allows each veteran alongside their guardian, to remember the fallen, share their stories and for many, the first time they feel valued and honored for their service. This series highlights many of the unforgettable stories from Central Valley Honor Flight 29 as Fresno Christian Schools aims to raise awareness and funds for this organization during our 39th Annual Homecoming. 

George Clausen flew as a pilot through two wars and completed 26 years of service in U.S. Air Force, making him one of the most decorated heroes that Central Valley Honor Flight has ever had the privilege of taking to Washington DC. Clausen earned the senior rank of Colonel with more than 23 medals. He joined 67 veterans who embarked on the unforgettable Central Valley Honor Flight in September 2024.

Clausen was born in Woodlake, California on June 25, 1929, where he still lives on his great-grandparents’ homestead from 1866. Clausen attended Visalia College before transferring and graduating from UC Berkeley in soil science. His father was a first-generation immigrant from Denmark who moved to California at 15 where he met Clausen’s mother in 1919. George Clausen wasn’t the only one in the family to serve; his brother fought in the Navy during WWII from 1951-1954.

George Clausen started flying at age 16, obtaining his pilot’s license at the age of 17. Later, he chose to further expand his flying career, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force as an airman before entering into the Aviation Cadet Training Program. Clausen graduated from the program just under a year later and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant – later achieving the title of Top Gun. He then graduated from the Air War College in 1971, which was just the beginning of his extensive journey to come.

Clausen joined the service towards the end of the Korean War and was stationed in Europe during the last year of the conflict, acting on nuclear force alert. He also served in Vietnam with the 48th-49th division and commanded the 434th wing as the pilot of many aircrafts including the F-80, F-84, F-86, F-100, F-111 and the F-105 – known as the “Thunderchief,” which was his favorite. The aircraft took him home from his tour in Vietnam.

Clausen flew more than 100 missions in North Vietnam during the war. Most notably, earning a Silver Star (x2), the third-highest decoration that can be awarded to a member of the Armed Forces that recognizes gallantry in action, Legion of Merit (x2), Distinguished Flying Cross (x3), Air Medal (x16) and many others. One of his closest calls was a mission to blow up a river bridge. A missile came so close to his cockpit he could hear the “whoosh” before it struck his #2 pilot, John Flynn Jr.’s plane. Flynn had to bail out and would spend the next six years as a prisoner of war.

By the end of his service in 1977, he was one of Central Valley‘s most decorated heroes. Clausen credits his safe return and protection to God. After retiring from the military, Clausen worked in irrigation and farming on the grove his grandfather planted. He later taught at The College of Sequoias in all things related to soil and farming. In 1990, Clausen decided to step away to further focus on the pursuit of his crops. 

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Clausen Family

George Clausen served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-77 .

The Central Valley Honor Flight gives appreciation to the servicemen and women who served our country. Many heroes were overlooked and not respected in the way they should be when they came back from the Vietnam War. When Clausen went on the Honor Flight he had an indelible experience, especially seeing his memorial in person.

“Overall, it was outstanding, very awe-striking it gives you a real perspective of something you can’t grab in a picture you have to be there,” Clausen said. “I found the name of a friend of mine on the wall.”

Clausen’s friend, Eugene, was forced to bail out of his plane during battle. His parachute was recovered, but Eugene was never found. This moved Clausen to find his dear friend’s name on the Vietnam Wall.

Not only did Clausen visit the Vietnam memorial, but he also had the opportunity to go into the cockpit of the Allegiant Airlines plane with the pilots. With buttons to push, levers to pull, windows to look out of, and pilot seats to sit in, Clausen experienced it all. Clausen was also one of four veterans chosen to lay down a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From his wheelchair, he lifted and hung the wreath honoring his fallen comrades.

“Touching it, feeling it, and being there it was an emotional situation it really struck me,” Clausen said.  

Honor Flight volunteers are described as kind and caring to every veteran who boards their flight, showing respect and gratitude for their sacrifice. Kristopher Head, Clausen’s guardian and grandson, was given the opportunity to care for his grandfather while on the trip as he experienced the Washington memorials.

“To be a part of it with him was an amazing experience, I was everything from honored, happy and unbelievably proud of the men and women who served,” Head said. “It was emotional. I was pushing him on the final return, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.”

Clausen prayed through Psalm 23 before every mission, putting his faith in God’s hands and knowing each flight may be his last. He prayed for triumph. Head heard his grandfather’s stories since childhood, but while visiting the memorial he truly understood how miraculous his life was. 

“One and three pilots make it back, to know he flew over 100 missions thats more than amazing to me, it’s a higher power looking out,” Head said. 

Clausen relayed his gratitude from the experience. He said it brought back core memories from his entire 26 years of serving.

When the Vietnam War ended in 1975, soldiers returning home were met with persecution as the American people spat in their faces, portraying them as wicked. They were called heinous names and treated without respect or regard. Part of Honor Flight gives the veterans the opportunity to finally receive their well-deserved welcome home. Central Valley families and community gathered in the Fresno Yosemite International Airport on Sept. 19 to welcome home their heroes. 

“It was outstanding and awesome that we were greeted by previous Honor Flight veterans,” Clausen said. “Everyone has a smile on their faces you felt wanted to aging. It was a great sensation to be welcomed back the way we were by the amount of people there.”

Clausen could be described by the people who know him as honorable, humble and always having the biggest heart for others. Clausen is a level-headed smart man who has lived what seems like ten lifetimes. His sacrifice and bravery should never be overlooked, that’s why the Honor Flight’s mission is so important. Without the Honor Flight, countless veterans would miss out on seeing their memorial and their sacrifices. We all have the opportunity to honor those who gave their all for our freedom by supporting Honor Flight.

To read more about the Honor Flight organization visit their Home page.

To donate to Central Valley Honor Flight visit CV Honor Flight.

To read more from The Feather visit Central Valley’s 29th Honor Flight or HONOR FLIGHT: Veteran Marvin Beil.

Join us for Fresno Christian’s 39th Annual Homecoming, Oct. 11, 6 p.m.