THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from your brother Keith are moving and reflect his enduring love for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

I served in Vietnam in the Army from 1969-1970 and I just recently discovered the VVMF Registry on line. I looked up my friend Dwaine Mattox who I knew was on the wall. I roomed with Dwaine at NC State University back in 1966-67 in a basement apartment in Raleigh, NC. He was a great roommate and very easy going, supportive and fun to be around. Part of the time he had a Vespa scooter for transportation and I remember he was skilled at operating it with me on the back although I had my doubts about the scooter itself. It was a scary ride. Dwaine also loved playing his records of Wes Montgomery in the apartment and I learned to appreciate Wes's unique style which I otherwise may never have become acquainted with. In fact now whenever I hear Wes on the jazz station I frequent I always think of Dwaine and am thankful I knew him. I regret not staying in touch after graduation. It was good to remember Dwaine with the comments on the registry. Thanks.

Captain Dwaine E. Mattox was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while engaged in aerial flight. He served as a Pilot, Tactical Aircraft, and was assigned to the 310TH TAC ALFT SQDN, 315TH TAC ALFT WING, 7TH AF.
See https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf

Dear Captain Dwaine Mattox, Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot. I researched you on the 50th anniversary of the star of your tour. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Time passes quickly, but our world has gone nuts. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On August 10, 1970, a United States Air Force Fairchild C-123K Provider from the 310th Tactical Airlift Squadron crashed into the South China Sea while on a ferry flight from Phan Rang Air Base to Cam Ranh Air Base. Reportedly, while on approach to Cam Ranh Bay, an engine failed. The crew lost control of the airplane and crashed into the sea a couple of miles from the airfield. Three of the four crew on board were killed. The lost personnel included pilot CAPT Grant R. Waugh, co-pilot 1LT Dwaine E. Mattox, and flight engineer TSGT Bernard F. Morrill. Grant was posthumously promoted to Major, and Mattox was posthumously promoted to Captain. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, aviation-safety.net, and baaa-acro.com]