Background
Clausen was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 22 September 1842.
Clausen was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 22 September 1842.
He was honored with the award on 25 June 1892. He enlisted into the 17th Pennsylvania Infantry. While in this unit he was involved in battles at Washington, District of Columbia and along the Potomac in Virginia.
After the expiration of the three-month service in the 17th Infantry he mustered into 61st Pennsylvania Infantry on 21 August 1861 as first sergeant.
He was later promoted to first sergeant. While serving in this capacity he was involved in the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House in Virginia.
lieutenant was during this battle that he performed the act of gallantry that earned him the Medal of Honor. He was wounded during this battle but returned to his battalion as captain and then commander in October 1864.
On 10 February 1865 he eventually resigned from active service due to his injuries.
Clausen died on 15 August 1922 and his remains are interred at the Mount Peace Cemetery in Philadelphia.