Overview

Santiago Jesus Erevia (December 15, 1946 – March 22, 2016) was an American soldier and later a long‑time postal employee. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Erevia served in the U.S. Army and was recognized decades later with the Medal of Honor. His life combined military service, civilian work, and public recognition for bravery under combat conditions.

Early life and military service

Born in Nordheim, Texas, Erevia entered the Army in his early twenties and was sent to fight in the Vietnam War beginning at about age 22. He completed a period of active duty and, in 1970, left active service with a remaining two‑year reserve obligation. In 1972 he continued his military involvement by joining the Texas National Guard, where he served for seventeen years, balancing citizen‑soldier duties with civilian life.

Medal of Honor and recognition

Many years after his wartime service, Santiago Erevia was awarded the United States' highest military decoration. He received the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama in a White House ceremony on March 18, 2014. That presentation, held at the White House, came as part of a broader Pentagon review of awards to ensure that acts of valor by service members of all backgrounds were fully recognized. The award acknowledged his extraordinary conduct during combat in Vietnam and placed him among a group of veterans whose decorations were upgraded after careful review.

Civilian career and community ties

After returning to civilian life, Erevia built a lengthy career with the United States Postal Service. He worked as a mail carrier for thirty‑two years before retiring in 2002. His steady civilian employment and extended service in the National Guard reflected the dual roles many veterans adopt: contributing to their communities in peacetime while remaining connected to military service and fellow veterans.

Legacy and death

Santiago J. Erevia died on March 22, 2016, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 70. His story is often cited in discussions about recognition of valor, the experiences of Vietnam veterans, and efforts to revisit award decisions made in earlier eras. As a Medal of Honor recipient and a lifelong public servant, Erevia is remembered both for his actions in wartime and for his long civilian career.

Quick facts

  • Full name: Santiago Jesus Erevia (born December 15, 1946)
  • Military service: U.S. Army, later Texas National Guard
  • Conflict served: Vietnam War
  • Civilian career: United States Postal Service employee (retired 2002) — USPS
  • Highest award: Medal of Honor presented by President Barack Obama at the White House on March 18, 2014
  • Died: March 22, 2016 (San Antonio, Texas)