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.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 261240
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.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of parents, Winfield & Cora Armstrong.
Location Of Loss
Armstrong was last seen at an unspecified location on Corregidor.
