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Men of honor

Army PFC Pfc. John "Mac" MacFarland in 1969. Shortly after the battle of Tam Ky in South Vietnam that year, MacFarland was assigned to write the Medal of Honor recommendation for Spc. 4 Santiago Jesse Erevia, whose "conspicuous gallantry" had saved many soldiers.

Army PFC Pfc. John “Mac” MacFarland in 1969. Shortly after the battle of Tam Ky in South Vietnam that year, MacFarland was assigned to write the Medal of Honor recommendation for Spc. 4 Santiago Jesse Erevia, whose “conspicuous gallantry” had saved many soldiers.  (Don Kelsen / Los Angeles Times)

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Vietnam vet Santiago Jesse Erevia is finally receiving a Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award, 45 years after fellow soldier John “Mac” MacFarland wrote a recommendation nominating him.

Medal of Honor

At a military store in San Antonio, Erevia’s wife, Leticia, helps him pick out a uniform for his Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House on March 18.  (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)

Medal of Honor

Gernise Mayberry, left, and Cindy Fletcher measure Erevia for the new uniform.   (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)

Medal of Honor

Erevia speaks with Sgt. Kimberly Green at the military store as Jesse Dominguez looks over the medals to be placed on Erevia’s new uniform.  (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)

Medal of Honor

Erevia at home in San Antonio. An image of his younger self is projected behind him. He never dwelt on not receiving the Medal of Honor. He moved on with his life and became a mail carrier, retiring in 2002 after 32 years at the Postal Service.  (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)

Medal of Honor

Erevia’s medals. The nation’s highest military citation, the Medal of Honor, has eluded him -- until now.  (Darren Abate / Associated Press)

Medal of Honor

Erevia hangs an American flag at home in San Antonio. He said of the medal, “I’m just glad I’m getting it while I’m alive.”  (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)

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