In loving memory... Matt Dillon

This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Matthew Dillon who was born in Virginia on December 28, 1980 to Neal and Lucy Dillon. Matthew was raised and attended elementary, middle and high school in Aiken S.C. Matthew graduated from Wardlaw High School in 1999. From 1999 to 2003, Matthew attended Aiken Tech College until he was called to duty while serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard. Matthew was deployed to Operation Iraq Freedom I, operating as a Combat engineer. During his one year deployment Matthew was injured while on a patrol mission when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device (roadside bomb). Matthew returned safely from Iraq in 2004 and was awarded a purple heart from the Army for his injuries received while in combat. Despite Matthew’s veteran military service record in 2005 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Matthew graduated from Marine Boot Camp, Marine Combat training school and Military Police school and was assigned to Marine Air wing Unit MWSS 373, Miramar CA. Due to Matthews outstanding service record and professionalism he was quickly promoted to the Non Commissioned Officer rank of Corporal, in the short time period of 16months. In 2006, Matthew was again deployed to Operation Iraq Freedom with MWSS 373, serving as a Military Policeman fire team leader for Havoc II. On December 11, 2006, Matthew and Havoc II were conducting a combat mission in the Anbar Province of Iraq when there Humvee vehicle was hit by a large Improvised explosive device (roadside bomb). Cpl. Matthew Dillon, Lcpl. Clinton Miller and Lcpl. Budd Cote were killed instantly and the incident further injured two other Marines. Matthew was a beloved son, brother, and friend to many. He exhibited a zest for life and love for his country that was beyond compare. Matthew’s earthly body is gone, however his love and energy lives forever in every life he touched. Matthew is survived by his parents Neal and Lucy and his brothers Rob and Michael. We love you Matt………..