Matthew Dillon laid to rest

(Aiken) December 20, 2006 - Friends and family said goodbye Wednesday to another of South Carolina's bravest. Twenty-five-year-old Matthew Dillon was killed in Iraq last week when a roadside bomb hit his Humvee.

Dillon's funeral was held Wednesday at Millwood Baptist Church in Aiken.

"I would like a burial with full military honors, a bagpiper to play Amazing Grace and the Rudyard Kipling's poem "If" read."

Those were the three things Corporal Matthew Dillon wanted, if this day ever came. They were requests his parents honored, along with hundreds who came to remember someone who sacrificed it all.

"Understand something today, family - Matt's light shines bright, and beacons of freedom in this country shine brighter today because of his patriotism," said Dr. Eddie Leopard during the service.

The 25-year-old was called a 'clean Marine' - always sharp in a uniform his brothers say he was born to wear.

"Matt, stay vigilant bro. Mike and I will be there someday to relieve you soon," said Matthew's brother Col. Robert Dillon.

Dillon received the Purple Heart for his duty. His parents accepted the award proudly, before saying their final goodbye.

On a hillside overlooking the land this Marine loved stood some who survived war long ago, and those just beginning to understand it.

There, Dillon was honored by strangers, remembered as an inspiration by all.

"He was just the type of guy that pushed you to be better than what you thought you could be," said friend Austin Atkins.

Matthew Dillon died for his country, never fulfilling his dream to be an officer who protects the President. But his family is at peace knowing their son can now serve a higher power.

They now see Matthew Dillon as guarding Heaven's gates above.

From WIS 10

Family remembers fallen Marine

(Aiken) - This weekend, the family of Corporal Matthew Dillon reflected on their son's life of leadership. The Aiken native was among four Marines who died in Iraq last week when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb.

Family members say 25-year-old Corporal Matthew Dillon served in the support squadron of Miramar, California. The unit is part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Dillon's parents were told Monday night that Dillon and three other Marines were killed in Al Khalidiyah, Iraq, by an explosive device.

It was Matthew Dillon's second trip to Iraq. He was first deployed with the National Guard's 122nd Combat Engineer Company out of Graniteville in 2003. Dillon was attending Augusta State University in Augusta, Georgia, at the time. He joined the Marines when he returned from Iraq in 2004. He was awarded the Purple Heart for an injury to his hand. Dillon’s parents say he’ll receive a second Purple Heart at his funeral Wednesday.

“He believed in being first, he believed in being a leader,” said Neal Dillon, Matt’s father.

At home in Aiken Sunday, Neal and Lucy Dillon reflected on their youngest son’s life. They say Matt was a genuine person who was always a leader, and always willing to help others.

“A couple of weeks ago, I said, ‘Son, how do you approach this every day, get up, go out and face danger when you know your life could be gone at any time?” said Neal Dillon.

“He said, ‘Dad, what you always told me was do the best you can. That’s all you can do.’ On December 11, of this year, he did the best he could. He gave his life for us.”

The Dillon family is steeped in military tradition, and on Wednesday, Corporal Matthew Dillon will receive a ceremonial burial. In the last conversation with his parents—almost a foreshadow—Matthew told his parents that if he should lose his life, he had three wishes: A full military funeral, that ‘Amazing Grace’ be played on bag pipes, and that Rudyard Kipling’s poem ‘If’ be read.

The Dillons say they will honor those wishes; their son is someone whose spirit will forever be in their hearts.

“The best part of [his last phone call to us] was his last words were, ‘I’ll call you next week, I love you both, you’re the best parents anyone could ever have,” said Neal Dillon.

From WLTX 19

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Matthew V. Dillon killed in combat