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Paul Edward Armstrong

Sergeant Paul E. “Tommy” Armstrong served with Headquarters Company, 4th Marines.
He was killed in action at Corregidor on 6 May 1942.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Branch

Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 261240

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Current Status

Remains not recovered.

Pursuit Category

The DPAA has not publicized this information.

Capsule History

Pre-War Life

Birth

April 1, 1917
at Rogersville, TN

Parents

Winfield Scott Armstrong
Cora Penelope (Vaughan) Armstrong

Education

Rogersville High School (1936)

Occupation & Employer

Professional Marine

Service Life

Entered Service

September 17, 1937
at Macon, GA

Home Of Record

Rogersville, TN

Next Of Kin

Mother, Mrs. Cora Armstrong

Military Specialty

Primary Unit

HQ/4th Marines

Campaigns Served

Philippine Islands / Corregidor

Individual Decorations

Purple Heart

Additional Service Details

Armstrong previously served with the 5th Marines and Third Battalion, 4th Marines.

Loss And Burial

Circumstances Of Loss

Paul “Tommy” Armstrong, a pre-war China Marine of several years service, was stationed in the Philippines when the United States entered World War II. Originally a member of K/3/4th Marines, he transferred to the regiment’s Headquarters Company on 18 February 1942, and participated in the defense of the islands and the siege of Corregidor.

On the night of 5 May 1942, Japanese troops staged an amphibious assault on Corregidor itself. The garrison put up a determined defense, but were simply overwhelmed and finally capitulated at 1200 hours on 6 May. Casualties on both sides were heavy; among the dead was Tommy Armstrong. No specifics of his final moments are currently known.

Burial Information or Disposition

Sergeant Armstrong’s body was seen on the battlefield, which served to confirm his death in action. However, no details pertaining to a burial were recorded.

Sergeant Tebo swore to seeing the bodies of five of his buddies after the battle of Corregidor. Philippine Archives Collection.

Next Of Kin Address

Address of parents, Winfield & Cora Armstrong.

Location Of Loss

Armstrong was last seen at an unspecified location on Corregidor.

Related Profiles

Members of the 4th Marines lost at Corregidor, 6 May 1942.
Headquarters and Service Companies
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