Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Field Artillery) Exequiel R. Sevilla, Jr. (ASN: OF-108294), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer of the 6th Battalion, 21st Field Artillery in 1966, Advisor to the South Vietnam Artillery in 1967 – 1968, Graduate Student from 1968 to 1970, Deputy Director Motivation and Training Lab, ARI, 1971, Senior Research Coordinator, ARI, 1972 – 1974, Commander, Special Troops, I Corps Korea; and Chief, Organizational Effectiveness Branch, ODCSPER, HQDA, from 10 May 1975 to 31 October 1976. In these assignments, he demonstrated a deep dedication, great versatility, and a depth of professional expertise that have characterized an exceptional career. As Chief, Organizational Development, he worked diligently and with great excellence and skill to sustain and direct expansion of this new tool that is being implemented Army-wide. Throughout his service, Lieutenant Colonel Sevilla’s performance has been characterized by personal and professional integrity, competence and excellence. Lieutenant Colonel Sevilla’s outstanding achievements reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Field Artillery)

    Action Date:

    February 1, 1968
    Headquarters, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, General Orders NO. 1473 (May 31, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) Exequiel R. Sevilla, Jr. (ASN: OF-108294), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 1 February 1968 while serving as Battalion Advisor, 61st Artillery Battalion, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Viet Cong forces surrounded the nearby 4th Marine Battalion, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. Although Viet Cong elements were pouring increasingly heavy fires into his are, Major Sevilla rallied his Vietnamese comrades to return accurate fire on the enemy. The advisor to the Marines later described the support as well coordinated, accurate and instrumental in defeating the insurgents. In an effort to further assist the beleaguered unit, Major Sevilla exposed himself to enemy fire on several occasions as he effectively directed helicopter gunships and other close air support systems on insurgent positions. Later, when the battalion’s defense was penetrated, the unit was able to continue firing missions, while fighting off Viet Cong forces within their own compound. During this time, Major Sevilla helped man a howitzer, firing it in a direct fire role, breaking the back of the attack and spearheading the friendly forces to ultimate victory. Major Sevilla’s conspicuous gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.