Armstrong, Paul, Sgt

Birth and Early Life:
Paul Armstrong was born on April 1, 1916, in Tennessee. His parents, Winfield and Cora Armstrong, raised their family in Hawkins, where Winfield worked as a letter carrier for the post office. Shortly after his 21st birthday, in 1937, Paul joined the Marine Corps.
Enlistment and Boot Camp:
After enlisting in Macon, Georgia on September 17, Private Armstrong was sent to Parris Island for boot training. That November, he was sent to his first assignment with Company B, First Battalion, Fifth Marines.
Service Prior to 1941:
Armstrong was with B Company in Quantico until April, 1939, at which time he extended his enlistment for a year in order to serve in Asia. He boarded the transport USS Henderson and sailed for California, where he changed to the USS Chaumont. By August 1939, Armstrong was serving with Company A, First Battalion, Fourth Marines in Shanghai. He was promoted to Private First Class in December, and to Corporal the following September; Armstrongâ??s assignment with Company A would continue through the end of 1940.
Wartime Service:
Corporal Armstrong traveled with the Fourth Marines to the Philippines in late 1941 to help prepare defenses against the predicted Japanese attack. He fought through the Philippine campaign, and participated in the siege of Corregidor. During this time, Armstrong was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to Company K; in the spring of 1942, he joined the Regimental Headquarters company.
Date Of Loss:
Paul Armstrong was killed on May 6, 1942, when the Japanese overran Corregidor. His exact fate is unknown, but a sergeant from Regimental headquarters, Floyd Tebo, would later swear to having witnessed Armstrongâ??s body shortly after the surrender.
Next Of Kin:
Parents, Winfield & Cora Armstrong
Status Of Remains:
Unknown.