Medal of Honor: Santiago J. Erevia – Vietnam War – May 21, 1969
Near Tam Ky, a patrol was hit by hidden bunkers and machine-gun fire. One young paratrooper grabbed a machine gun and charged the enemy again and again — until the line finally broke.
May 21, 2026
Name: Santiago J. Erevia
Rank: Sergeant (then Specialist Fourth Class)
Branch: U.S. Army
War: Vietnam War
Unit: Company C, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division
Date of Action: May 21, 1969
Location: Near Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam
Summary of Action
On 21 May 1969, Specialist Fourth Class Santiago J. Erevia displayed extraordinary heroism while serving as a radio-telephone operator during a search-and-clear mission near Tam Ky City, Vietnam.
As Company C advanced through hostile territory, the unit suddenly came under devastating enemy fire from a well-concealed bunker complex.
Automatic weapons, grenades, and small-arms fire pinned the Americans down and inflicted casualties, halting the advance.
Recognizing the danger to his fellow soldiers, Erevia immediately moved into action.
Armed with a machine gun, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire as he assaulted hostile positions almost single-handedly.
Charging directly toward the enemy bunkers, he delivered devastating fire into the fortified positions and destroyed multiple emplacements.
At several points during the battle, Erevia advanced alone through open terrain swept by enemy fire to attack bunkers at close range with grenades and automatic weapons fire.
Despite the overwhelming danger, he continued pressing the assault and inspired the men around him to resume the attack.
His fearless actions broke the enemy resistance and allowed his company to seize the objective.
Erevia’s courage and determination under fire saved the lives of fellow soldiers and became one of the most extraordinary displays of valor by the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War.
Medal of Honor Citation
EREVIA, SANTIAGO J.