Matthews received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor.

[1] Matthews's medal was won for capturing the flag of the 7th Tennessee Infantry at the Third Battle of Petersburg, Virginia.

[2] He was one of six members of the regiment to earn that award that day.

[4] Matthews was born in Pittsburgh, where he entered the service, and died in Milwaukee.

[1][5] The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private Milton Matthews, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 2 April 1865, while serving with Company C, 61st Pennsylvania Infantry, in action at Petersburg, Virginia, for capture of flag of 7th Tennessee Infantry (Confederate States of America).