Seth Hayden Matthews

Specialist Four
25TH AVN BN, 25 INF DIV
Army Of The United States
14 August 1947 - 23 October 1969
Merritt Island, FL
Panel 17W Line 110

25 INF DIV

25TH AVN BN
Army Aircrew

Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

The database page for Seth Hayden Matthews

Seth, I knew you only for a short time, and that was many years ago. Although I was much younger than you, you were kind and patient and shared your joy of life with me as you would have with a life-long friend. I will always remember the tour of the Indian River in your folks' boat, and the trip to the drive-in when you were stuck "baby-sitting" me when our parents went out for a much deserved break from the kids.

You were the first person of our generation I ever knew to be taken away. I was still in High School, and at that time I did not even know you had gone to Viet Nam. My class was the last group to have anyone drafted into the service, and although I am thankful I was not called, I also thank you for answering the call for service to your country. I only regret the sacrifice you were asked to make.

There are few days that go by that I do not think of that beautiful day we attended your funeral - just the kind of day we both would have rather been out on the river. I had to grow up a lot that day, but I know you had to grow up much faster than me. I am sure your brother and family miss you terribly, and although I have not seen them since your funeral nearly thirty two years ago, I still mourn for them as well as you.

As I prepare to return to our beloved Merritt Island for my 30th High School reunion, I regret that this is only one of life's experiences you were not allowed to enjoy. Although we knew each other only briefly, I will never forget you.

Rest in Peace, my friend.




SP4 Seth Hayden Matthews III, a door gunner with the 25th Aviation Battalion,
was killed when his UH-1C (hull number 66-00683) was shot down.





A memorial from his Friend,
David K. Qualls, D V M
12595 Sweetwater Lane, Jacksonville, Florida 32218
indigo@cybermax.net 
13 Jul 2001



Top of Page

Virtual Wall icon
www.VirtualWall.org

Back to
To alpha index M
FL State Index . Panel 17W

Contact Us



With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)