Lt Col Matthew Wilson Irvin US Army Retired

Lt. Col. Matthew W. Irvin (Ret.), 1924 - 2013 Lt. Col. Matthew Wilson Irvin, US Army Retired, 88 of Charlotte, died Saturday, February 16, 2013. Matthew was born in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, on November 26, 1924, the son of Thomas Davis and Mary Irwin (Forsyth) Irvin. Matthew lived a life of service to his country, family, and his friends. He was a veteran of three wars. At age 18, during World War II, Matthew joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and served with ground crews in the 852nd Bomb Squadron, based in Norfolk, England. He witnessed the first V2 missile attacks on London. He completed his tour, left active duty, and graduated from Temple University with a degree in Journalism. In 1951, he rejoined the United States Army as a commissioned officer. Matthew served with the Army’s Ryukus Command, stationed on Okinawa during the Korean War. On his return from Okinawa, Matthew attended infantry school. He went on to serve in the 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division at Ft. Riley during the late 1950s. It was during this time that he earned the first of two Army Commendation Medals. During the Vietnam War, Matthew served with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam - Office of Information as adjutant to the Americal Division. He also worked in communications with MACV, editing several Army publications and writing from the field for Army Times, Army Digest and Airman Magazine. He also wrote an award-winning speech for his commanding officer, General William Westmoreland. He did see combat during the war and was wounded in a helicopter accident while serving with the Americal Division. He retired in 1969, after more than 29 years of service, and lived the rest of his long life in peace. In 2000, he married Patricia Beck, and in 2006, they moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. Matthew is survived by his wife, Patricia; his two children, Matthew W. Irvin Jr. of Richmond, Kentucky and Anne Madison of Baltimore, Maryland; two step-daughters, Marlene and her husband Barry Atkinson of Fairfax, Virginia, and Kathryn and her husband Collinson Burgwyn II of Newport News, Virginia; and a stepson, William Manson Kauffman of Charlotte; and four grandsons: Gregory Madison, James Keith Madison, Will Irvin, and Collinson Burgwyn III. Matthew is further survived by 2 great grandchildren, Henry and Bridget. He is also survived by his beloved childhood friend and comrade, Craig Schoeller of Cheltenham, PA, as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Services for Matthew were held at 3 PM on Wednesday, February 20, at St Michael the Archangel Anglican Church, 2211 Margaret Wallace Road, Charlotte. The family received friends at the church one hour prior to the services. Interment will take place at 3 PM on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at the Arlington National Cemetery. Friends are invited to gather with the family at the Administration Building at 2:30 at which time a procession to the grave with full military honors will take place. Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home of Matthews is privileged to serve the family.

Lt Col Matthew Wilson Irvin US Army Retired

November 26, 1924 - February 16, 2013