Harry James Dillon's Favorites

In memory of

Harry James Dillon

Cathedral City, CA

April 4, 1941 - April 1, 2026

Apr 4, 1941 - Apr 1, 2026

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What were Harry's favorite ways to spend free time?

Valerie Dillon-Mattos

Dad’s favorite activities included enthusiastically ignoring his doctor’s dietary advice at his favorite ... Read more Dad’s favorite activities included enthusiastically ignoring his doctor’s dietary advice at his favorite buffets, hunting online... Read more Dad’s favorite activities included enthusiastically... Read more

What causes did Harry care about most?

Valerie Dillon-Mattos

Dad was passionate about telling the true story of the Vietnam War—the good, the bad, and the painful realities in between. He believed it was important for others to understand how many Vietnam Veterans were treated when they returned home, often facing misunderstanding, lack of support, and even rejection from those closest to them. For years after the war, many veterans struggled in silence without recognition, resources, or the care they needed.

Dad was especially committed to helping fellow veterans find their way forward. He encouraged others to seek support through the VA and advocated for Vietnam-era veterans to receive the care and compensation they deserved for service-related disabilities, particularly PTSD and illnesses associated with Agent Orange exposure.

Dad often reflected on how the national conversation about the Vietnam War began to shift in the early 1980s, when returning American hostages from Iran were met with celebration and recognition—prompting many to ask why Vietnam veterans had not received the same “welcome home”. That moment, along with the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1982, helped bring long-overdue attention to the sacrifices of Vietnam-era service members. For Dad and many others, it marked the beginning of a renewed sense of acknowledgment, brotherhood, and healing.

Dad loved his country deeply, and he carried a part of Vietnam with him for the rest of his life. Beyond his love of the country’s food and beautiful scenery, I believe his many journeys back to Vietnam were also driven by something deeper—a quiet search for the part of himself he left there during the war.

Dad was passionate about telling the true story of the Vietnam War—the good, the bad, and the painful realities... Read more Dad was passionate about telling the true story of the Vietnam War—the good, the bad, and the painful realities in between. He... Read more Dad was passionate about telling the true story of ... Read more

What were Harry's favorite ways to exercise?

Valerie Dillon-Mattos

Making his daily rounds around Desert Shadows, walking from his car to the buffet at the casino, strolling... Read more Making his daily rounds around Desert Shadows, walking from his car to the buffet at the casino, strolling barefoot along the ... Read more Making his daily rounds around Desert Shadows, walking... Read more

What were Harry's favorite tv shows?

Valerie Dillon-Mattos

Old westerns, documentaries about the Navy and the Vietnam War, and just about anything on the History and... Read more Old westerns, documentaries about the Navy and the Vietnam War, and just about anything on the History and Travel channels. Old westerns, documentaries about the Navy and the ... Read more

What were Harry's favorite vacation spots?

Valerie Dillon-Mattos

San Felipe, Mexico and just about anywhere in Vietnam. San Felipe, Mexico and just about anywhere in Vietnam. San Felipe, Mexico and just about anywhere in Vietnam.... Read more

What were Harry's favorite books?

Valerie Dillon-Mattos

Blind Man's Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine Espionage Blind Man's Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine Espionage Blind Man's Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine... Read more