Santiago J. Erevia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Santiago J. Erevia
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Erevia during his time of service
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| Birth name | Santiago Jesus Erevia |
| Born | December 15, 1945 Corpus Christi, Texas |
| Died | March 22, 2016 (aged 70) San Antonio, Texas |
| Buried |
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Texas National Guard |
| Years of service | 1967–1970 1972–1989 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Company C, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart Air Medal Army Commendation Medal |
Santiago Jesus Erevia (born December 15, 1945 – died March 22, 2016) was an American soldier. He bravely fought in the Vietnam War. He also received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery in the U.S. military.
Early Life and Military Service
Santiago Erevia was born in Nordheim, Texas, in 1945. He was a Mexican-American and joined the United States Army when he was 22 years old. He volunteered for service in San Antonio.
Erevia served during the Vietnam War. On May 21, 1969, he showed great courage. He was a radio-telephone operator during a mission called Operation Lamar Plain. This mission was near Tam Ky City in Vietnam.
Life After the War
In 1970, Erevia left active military service. He then joined the Texas National Guard in 1972. He served for 17 more years in the Guard.
After his military career, Erevia worked as a mail carrier. He delivered mail for the United States Postal Service. He retired in 2002 after working for 32 years. Santiago Erevia passed away on March 22, 2016, in San Antonio, Texas. He was 70 years old.
Receiving the Medal of Honor
Santiago Erevia was one of many veterans who received the Medal of Honor in 2014. This happened after a special review by the Pentagon. Congress had asked for this review in 2002. The goal was to make sure that no one was unfairly missed for this high honor.
President Barack Obama presented the award to Erevia. The ceremony took place on March 18, 2014, at the White House. This award was given because of the Defense Authorization Act. This law called for a review of Jewish American and Hispanic American veterans. It looked at those who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The purpose was to ensure that no prejudice prevented them from getting the Medal of Honor.
- Erevia receiving the Medal of Honor
during a White House ceremony on March 18, 2014
