Nathanial Carl Matthews was born on September 20^, 1949. His family lived at 329 W. Chestnut St. in West Chester.  He was one of 6 children including: Deedra, Edward, James, Joseph and Deborah. Their mother, Maybelle (nicknamed “Billy”) worked hard to support her family.  Maybelle worked at the American Legion, cleaned houses, including the Ruggeri family (a prominent West Chester business family who owns General Sales Cadillac dealership).  She also babysat for local families, including John Lewis, who was the nephew of Hero Ed Lewis.

Nathanial attended Henderson High School, and played on the varsity soccer team, which his senior year captured the Southern Chester County Championship for the 7^th straight year.  He graduated in 1967, and then attended Lincoln University for two years.

Nathaniel Matthews enlisted in the Army entering service on July 18, 1969.  After basic training he was sent to Vietnam, commencing his tour on February 1, 1970. He served with troop B, 3^rd Squadron, 5^th Calvary, 101^st Airborne Division.  His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) denotes Armored Cavalry Crewman.

Nathaniel Matthews was killed in combat by small arms fire on August 10, 1971, in the Quang Tri province in the northern area of the South Vietnam.

Funeral services were held at the Bethel AME Church in West Chester on August 20^th.  Services were also held by Headquarters Company, USA, Indiantown Gap, Military Reservation, Annville. Specialist 5^th Nathaniel Carl Matthews was buried in Glenwood Memorial Park, in Broomall on West Chester Pike in West Goshen.

Nathaniel’s younger brother Edward, became a nuclear cardiologist in Columbus, Georgia, dedicating his practice to his brothers memory.  His sister Debbie, named their first born after Nate.