Paul E. Armstrong
Service #: 261240
Entered Service From: Georgia
Rank: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Headquarters Company, Fourth Marines
Date of Death: 06 May 1942, Fort Mills, Corregidor Island, Philippines.
Status: Missing in Action
Memorialized: Manila American Cemetery – Tablets of the Missing – United States Marine Corps
Awards: Purple Heart
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He was the son of Winfield Scott "Win" Armstrong and Cora Penelope Vaughan Armstrong. Paul had five sisters and three brothers.
1930 United States Federal Census (30 April 1930): District 4, Hawkins County, Tennessee (sheet 21B, family 455) – Paul E Armstrong (13 Tennessee).
He graduated from Rogersville High School, Rogersville, Tennessee – Class of 1936.
Paul E. Armstrong, a resident of Rogersville, Tennessee, enlisted as a Private (S/N 261240) in the United State Marine Corps on 17 September 1937 at Macon, Georgia.
ENLISTS IN U.S. MARINES
Paul Edward Armstrong of Rogersville, known locally as "Tommy," was accepted in the U.S. Marine Corps at recruiting station in Knoxville. He will go to district headquarters at Macon, Georgia, for enlistment. Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 16 September 1937, page 8 and The Knoxville Journal (Knoxville, Tennessee), Wednesday, 15 September 1937, page 5.
ARMSTRONG TO BE SENT TO PARRIS ISLAND. S. C.
MACON, Ga. – Paul E. Armstrong of Rogersville enlisted in the United State Marine Corps September 17th at the district recruiting headquarters in Macon, Georgia, and has been assigned to the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina, for initial training, Major J. M. Tildsley, district recruiting officer, announced.
Paul is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Armstrong of Route 3. He graduated at the Rogersville High School, and intends to further his education through the medium of the Marine Corps Institute, Washington, D. C., which offers Marines an opportunity to enroll for various courses where they may learn free of charge some trade, art or science... Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 23 September 1937, page 5.
On 18 September 1937 Private Paul E. Armstrong was sent to MB, Parris Island, South Carolina.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 18 September 1937 to 10 November 1937
Recruit Depot Detachment, Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina
Private Paul E. Armstrong. He joined Recruit Depot Detachment at Parris Island on 18 September 1937 from DHS, Macon, Georgia.
PAUL ARMSTRONG TRANSFERRED TO QUANTICCO, VA.
Private Pal E. Armstrong, U.S. Marine Corps, son of Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Armstrong of Route 3, Rogersville, who was accepted for service last September, has completed the basic course of instruction at the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, S. C., and had been transferred to Quantico, Va., for assignment to duty with the Fleet Marine Force, it is announced by Maj. J. M. Tildsley, officer in charge of recruiting activities for this area, with headquarters at Macon, Georgia.
Private Armstrong is a graduate of the Rogersville High School, class of 1836, and his classmates and many friends in this section will be interested to lear of his activities.
He left Parris Island for his new station November 9th.
Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 18 November 1937, page 1.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 10 November 1937 to 12 April 19389
''B'' Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Brigade, Fleet Marine Force MB, Quantico, Virginia/Camp Perry, Ohio/Camp R. P. Williams, Brentsvllle, Virginia/ Camp A. W. Johnson, Culebra, Puerto Rico.
Private Paul E. Armstrong. he joined ''B'' Company on 10 November 1937 from RD Det., MB Parris Island, S.C. Tommy was given a furlough from 20-27 December 1937. He was given another furlough from 02-14 April 1938. In August 1938 ''B'' Company was stationed at Camp Perry, Ohio. In September 1938 they were stationed at Camp R. P. Williams, Brentsvllle, Virginia. By October 1938 they were back at Quantico, Virginia. Tommy was given a furlough from 18-26 December 1938.
In January 1939 they were sent to Camp A. W. Johnson at Culebra, Puerto Rico. They returned to Quantico in March 1939. On 12 April 1939 an extension of his enlistment was executed for one year for general assignment to Asiatic station. He was sent the same day to MBNOB, Norfolk, Virginia , FFT to Asiatic Station. On 17 April 1939 he embarked aboard the U.S.S. HENDERSON to Asiatic Station for general assignment. The HENDERSON sailed from NOB, Norfolk, Virginia on 18 April 1939.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 02 July 1939 to 12 September 1939
Company ''D'' , First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Camp Holcomb, Chinwangtao, China/Shanghai, China
Private Paul E. Armstrong. He arrived at Shanghai, China aboard the HENDERSON on 02 July 1939 and was assigned to Company ''D'', Camp Holcomb. In August 1939, Company ''D'' was station in Shanghai, China. On 12 September 1939, Private Armstrong was transferred to Company ''A'', same station.
"US Marines served in China at various times and places from the days of the Boxer Rebellion of 1900. During the 1920's and 30's Marines were stationed at the American Embassy in Peking (Beijing). They were the Embassy Guard Detachment. In 1938 a unit was sent from Peking to Tientsin (Tianjin) to take over legation guard duty from the Army. A still smaller detachment was sent to Fort Holcomb at Chinwangtao (Qinhuangdao), about 140 miles northeast of Tientsin. This was the seaport through which all shipping for the embassy and the Marines had to travel. In the late 1930's the Embassy Guard Detachment in Peking consisted of about 300 men, the Legation Guard Detachment in Tientsin about 200 men, with about 20 men at Chinwangtao. (Spellings of Chinese cities are from that time period, not current usage.) In 1937 the Japanese invaded and conquered much of eastern China. While Japan controlled this area of China, various military units of other nations remained. The British, French, and Italians also kept forces in China." Source: North China Marines http://www.northchinamarines.com/
The 4th Marines were responsible for protecting the International Settlement in Shanghai. Their mission was to prevent fighting between Japanese and Chinese forces from spilling over into the International zone and protecting American interests. Source: U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls; A Brief History of the 4th Marines by James S. Santelli (Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. 1970).
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 12 September 1939 to 29 September 1941.
Company ''A'', First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Shanghai, China
Private/Private First Class/Corporal Paul E. Armstrong. On 12 September 1939 he joined from Company ''D", same station. From 09-22 October 1939 Paul was on temporary duty at Riverside Power Plant, Shanghai, China. On 02 December 1939 he was promoted to Private First Class. He was sick in the Regiment Hospital 29 December 1939 to 03 January 1940 and again from 25 February to 08 March 1940. PFC Armstrong was back on temporary duty at Riverside Power Plant from 29 April to 06 May 1940. On 26 June 1940 he qualified at marksman. On 06 September 1940 Paul was promoted to Corporal. CPL Armstrong was on temporary duty at Riverside Power Plant from 21-27 April 1941. On 29 September 1941 the 4th Marines in Shanghai embarked aboard the U.S.S. HENDERSON. They sailed on 30 September 1941 and arrived and disembarked at Manila, Philippine Islands on 04 October 1941.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 04 October 1941 to 20 December 1941
Company "A" First Separate Marine Battalion, Marine Barracks, Navy Yard, Cavite, Philippine Islands
Corporal Paul E. Armstrong. On 04 October 1941 he joined Company "A" First Separate Marine Battalion from Company ''A'', First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Shanghai, China. He was one of 700 Marines that was organized as a defense and infantry battalion. The First Separate Marine Battalion at Cavite provided antiaircraft and ground protection for all naval activities there. Corporal Armstrong was given temporary duty (guard duty) at the U.S. Naval Section Base Two, Mariveles, Bataan from 11-31 October 1941.
On the 14th of November, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced that "The Government of the United States has decided to withdraw the American Marine detachments now maintained ashore in China..." Clouds of war were quickly closing in on the China Marines as Japan and the United States edged ever closer to active hostilities. "one could sense the tenseness in the air," Lieutenant Colonel Curtis T. Beecher remembered, "There was a general feeling of uneasiness in the air." Source: From Shanghai To Corregidor: Marines In The Defense Of The Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in WWII Commemorative Series), page 3.
By the end of November 1941 the rest of the Fourth Marines in China were sent to the Philippine Islands.
Cavite
Three Marine-manned antiaircraft positions were located outside the Cavite Navy Yard: Battery A, across the bay at Canacao Golf Course on the tip of Sangley Point; Battery B at Carridad; and Battery C at Binacayan one mile south. Each was "armed with four 3-inch dual-purpose guns, 3-inch antiaircraft guns, or .50-caliber machine guns." Battery D was divided to support each position with five .50-caliber machine guns.
War with Japan broke out on 08 December 1941. "The news was stunning, perhaps paralyzingly unbelievable. The Japanese would not dare to attack the United States!" Ted R. Williams. But they did and on 10 December, 54 Japanese planes in three large "V" formations bombed the Cavite Navy Yard. The Japanese aircraft were flying at 21,000-25,000 feet but the Marine antiaircraft guns had a range of only 15,000 feet. First Lieutenant Carter Simpson at Binacayan later wrote, "We were left with a sense of fatality which was renewed every time our eyes fell on the Yard across the bay ... A toy pistol would have damaged their planes as much as we did." Battery A on Sangley Point ceased fire after the first wave passed untouched.... Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor: Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in World War II Commemorative Series), pages 7 and 8.
Approximately 1000 people were killed that day and the Navy Yard was left burning and in shambles. The first Marine to lose his life in defense of the Philippine Islands was Private First Class Thomas L. Wetherington, killed by bomb fragments. "As night neared, all personnel, except a small group of Marines and Manila firemen, were evacuated out of the Yard and transported by truck to a site on the road leading to Manila. After traveling 15 miles the trucks stopped and the battalion set up camp. The following morning Marine detachments were sent back to guard the abandoned Navy Yard." Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor: Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in World War II Commemorative Series), pages 8 and 9.
Japanese forces began a full-scale invasion of Luzon on 22 December. In response, General Douglas MacArthur, ordered the withdrawal of the American and Filipino forces to the Bataan peninsula to be a part of the Bataan Defense Force. On 26 December the First Separate Marine Battalion were moved to Mariveles, Bataan. "As night fell on 26 December all personnel, equipment, and supplies were in place in the jungle near Mariveles." Over the next couple of days they were moved to Fort Mills, Corregidor Island. On 01 January 1942 the First Separate Marine Battalion was redesignated as 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines. Corporal Paul E. Armstrong was assigned to Company "K", Third Battalion, Fourth Marines.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 01 January 1942 to 18 February 1942
Company "K", Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Corregidor, Philippine Islands.
Corporal Paul E. Armstrong. Sometime in February/March (before April) 1942 he was transferred to Headquarters Company. The Marines were assigned to beach defenses on the tail of the island. Work began immediately on construction of beach defenses. He transferred to the regiment's Headquarters Company on 18 February 1942.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 18 February 1942 to 06 May 1942
Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Corregidor, Philippine Islands.
Corporal/Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong. He had been promoted to Sergeant sometime in February/March 1942.
As the weeks passed, the 4th Marines and other units garrisoning Corregidor realized the hopelessness of the situation when it became clear that no relief force would be forthcoming. The 4th Marines' mission of defending the beaches gained new importance as the Japanese moved down the Bataan Peninsula. Source: A Brief History of the 4th Marines by James S. Santelli (Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. 1970), page 24.
On 09 April 1942, Filipino and U.S. forces on Bataan were surrendered and the Japanese were able to mass artillery for an all-out attack of the Rock from just 2 miles away. A virtual rain of shells and bombs saturated the island during April, resulting in the destruction of most beach defenses.
April 29, Wednesday: The birthday of Emperor Hirohito. The Japanese raise the level of intensity of the aerial and artillery attacks a few notches. At 0730, the attack opens with the 260th air alarm of the campaign. Japanese bombers flew 83 sorties, dropping 106 tons of bombs. The air raids and the artillery fire continue without let up all day. By nightfall, Corregidor is in shambles, a pulverized, blasted chunk of rock lying under a blanket of dust and smoke. Fires rage out of control all over the island and smoke towers 3,000 feet in the air.
"It took no mental giant," wrote Wainwright, "to figure out, that the enemy was ready to come against Corregidor." On the night of 05 May 1942, Japanese forces landed on the island. Despite heavy resistance by the defenders and severe losses to the Japanese, the enemy was able to push forward. The situation grew more perilous and feeling that further resistance was useless and fearing a possible massacre of 1,000 sick and wounded personnel in Malinta Tunnel, General Wainwright decided to surrender. At 1200, 06 May 1942 the surrender went into effect.
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong was among those killed on 06 May 1942. No details of his final moments is known.
Sergeant Armstrong was initially listed as missing in action by the War Department.
TOMMY ARMSTRONG IS REPORTED MISSING; LAST ON CORREGIDOR ISLAND, IS BELIEF
The U.S. Marine commandant has notified the parents of Corp. Paul E. (Tommy) Armstrong the he is missing and will be "carried on records as missing pending further information. No report of his death has been received and he maybe a prisoner of war." The officer also noted that it may be several months before definite official information can be expected.
The parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Armstrong of Rogersville, are hopeful that their son is alive. He was landed in the Philippines last November from China and was on Corregidor when it capitulated a few weeks ago. He was a member of the Fourth Regiment of Marines.
Ironically enough a letter came from Tommy on Monday of this week. he told his parents in two or three sentences that he was well and feeling fine. The letter was dated March 8th. It reached here May 11th. It was censored and there was no way of telling form what place it was mailed. In the right hand corner of the envelope was the following: "Service mail, no postage available."
Tommy was home the last time about three years ago. He has been in the Marines about four years, serving most of that time in foreign service. He re-enlisted the latter part of last years, just before war broke out. He was 20 years old when he joined the Marines.
Everyone in Rogersville knows of Tommy's efforts to join the Marines. He was working at the Sweet Shoppe at the time he decided to become a member of that branch of service. He was underweight the first time he tried it. He came home and tried to put on a little weight and when he went to the recruiting office the second time he ate several bananas and passed the examination with about a pound to spare. He wanted to get into the service of his country. We believe there are few soldiers, sailors or marines who liked the service better than young Armstrong. He was a model soldier. He was in Shanghai when that place was a keg of powder balanced precariously on the brink of a volcano and the tales he could tell of his experience there would be thrilling. He was, it is believed, at the great Cavite Naval base in the Philippines when it was bombed by the Japs, and it is believed he fought on the bloody Bataan and finally on the fortress of Corregidor.
His many friends, along with his anxious parents, will eagerly await news of this intrepid soldier. Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 14 May 1942, page 1.
Sadly Tommy was already dead by the time that article was published.
Sergeant Armstrong was initially listed as missing in action.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll – 01 June 1942 to 02 July 1943
Prisoner of War and Missing Persons Detachment, HQ ,U.S. Marine Corps
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong. Missing in Action.
It wasn't until some affidavits of his death were given by fellow Marines while they were in Cabanatuan Prison in July 1943 that he was officially listed as killed in action on 06 May 1942.
Sgt. Floyd L. Tebo, USMC, 227505, swore on 26 July 1943, that he saw the dead bodies of the following men who died on the dates noted on Corregidor Island, P.I.:
PFC John W. Durham, Jr., USMC – 5-5-42
Sgt. Paul E. Armstrong, USMC – 5-6-42
Sgt. Edward V. Foresman, USMC – 5-6-42
QM Sgt. John E. Haskin, USMC – 5-6-42
PFC Kenneth L. Jerrett, USMC – 5-6-42
Source: Affidavit of death for Sgt. Paul E. Armstrong, USMC, killed on Corregidor. File 558-7 1942 Death Reports, shows cause and date of death and place of burial of some cases. Reports collected in Cabanatuan POW Camp; Philippine Archives Collection.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll – 03 July 1943
Prisoner of War and Missing Persons Detachment, HQ ,U.S. Marine Corps
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong. See Footnote A.
Footnote A. 1-2, Missing In Action. 3-letter from International Red Cross indicates these men were killed in action on the sixth day of May 1942. Body not recovered. Go#20 does not apply. Char. Excellent"
Tommy Armstrong 'Killed in Action'
Word came to Mr. and Mrs. Wint S. Armstron on July 1st that their son, Paul E. (Tommy) had been killed in action in the Philippine Islands. Tommy, who was in the Marine Corps, had previously been reported missing.
The telegram from T. Holcomb, Lieut.-Gen. U.S. Marine Corps, read as follows:
Deeply regret to inform you, cablegram from International Red Cross Tokyo, Japan reports that according to American officer held prisoner of war your son Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong, U.S. Marine Corps, has been carried on the records of this headquarters as missing in action was killed in action in the Philippine Islands. Date not given. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Letter follows."
Mr. Armstrong still refuses to believe that his son is dead, and that there is a possibility that he is in a Jap prison camp. He was first notified that the boy was missing when the Philippines fell. Tommy was believed to have been on Corregidor when that bastion of U.S. defense went down before the overwhelming number of Japs.
Tommy joined the Marines several years ago. His weight at first prevented him from enlisting but he came home, ate lots of bananas and finally was accepted. He worked at the Sweet Shoppe at the time of his enlistment.
Mr. Armstrong said Tommy's enlistment ran out while he was in the Far East and that he re-enlisted. He had not been home in several years. Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 08 July 1943, page 1.
TENNESSEE, ALABAMA MARINES LISTED DEAD
WASHINGTON, July 5 (AP) – The Navy announced today five casualties. All are dead.
In addition, 17 names are listed whose status has changed from missing to dead.
This brings to 27,028 the total of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard casualties reported to next of kin since Dec. 7, 1941. The grand total includes 8,185 dead, 4,734 wounded, 10,516, missing and 5,393 prisoners.
The casualties announced today include:
Tramble O. Armstrong, marine, dead; (reported missing June 1, 1942). Parents, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Armstrong, Brewton, Alabama.
Vernon E. Putnam, marine, dead; (reported missing June 1, 1942). Father, Rufus L. Putnam, Blountsville, Alabama.
Paul E. Armstrong, marine, dead; (reported missing June 1, 1942). Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Armstrong, Rogersville.
Source: Chattanooga Daily Times (Chattanooga, Tennessee), Tuesday, 06 July 1943, page 11.
Sgt. Armstrong Killed By Japs On Corregidor
FAMILY RECEIVES INFORMATION ABOUT MARINE MISSING SINCE THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS FELL
The fate of Sgt. Paul Armstrong, US Marine Corps, missing since the Philippine Islands fell to the Japs in the spring of 1942, has been cleared up, according to information received by his brother, R. F. Armstrong, manager of the Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation.
In a letter from a fellow Marine it was established that Sgt. Armstrong was seen dead on Corregidor on May 6, 1942. Sgt. Donald Tervalis of Detroit is believed to have information about the last days on Corregidor and from him the family hopes to obtain more details.
Enlisting in the Marines in 1939 Sgt. Armstrong served one enlistment and joined up for further service in Shanghai, China. When the storm broke over the Philippines he was rushed to the scene of action and died gallantly fighting the Japanese.
Native of Rogersville, Tenn., Sgt. Armstrong was 28 years of age. He was the first man from his county lost in action, it is recalled by his brother here.
The family finds comfort in the fact that he was slain in combat while resisting the onslaught of the Japs and did not have to endure the horrors of the death march and the long years of imprisonment and starvation and cruel treatment. Source: Jackson Progress Argus (Jackson, Georgia), Thursday, 13 December 1945.
DATA ON REMAINS NOT YET RECOVERED OR IDENTIFIED
Sergeant Paul Edward Armstrong (S/N 261240), 4th Marines, 06 May 1942, KIA, details not known, Corregidor, Philippine Islands. He was described as 66½ inches tall (5' 5"), 122 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair; Creed - Methodist.
"Sergeant Armstrong was serving on Corregidor at the time of the capitulation of the United States Forces to the Japanese. A cablegram received 20 June 1943 through International Red Cross stated that Sergeant Armstrong was killed during the occupation of the Philippine Islands by the Japanese. After the surrender of the Japanese a roster prepared by administrative personnel of 4th Marines in the Cabanatuan Camp was received together with other recovered documents. This roster contains the following notation relative to Sergeant Armstrong: "KIA 5/6/42. Corr." This same information is contained in a statement from a former POW. No information has been received relative to disposition of remains." Source: Quartermaster Form 371, completed during the post-war search for Sergeant Armstrong's remains.
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong's remains have never been found.
Sergeant Paul Edward Armstrong is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing – United States Marine Corps in the Manila American Cemetery.
He also has a cenotaph in McKinney Cemetery, Rogersville, Hawkins County, Tennessee.
"Marine casualties in the defense of the Philippines totaled 72 killed in action, 17 dead of wounds, and 167 wounded in action. Worse that the casualty levels caused by combat in the Philippines was the brutal treatment of the Marines in Japanese hands. Of the 1,487 members of the 4th Marines captured on Corregidor, 474 died in captivity." Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller, page 44.
Service #: 261240
Entered Service From: Georgia
Rank: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Headquarters Company, Fourth Marines
Date of Death: 06 May 1942, Fort Mills, Corregidor Island, Philippines.
Status: Missing in Action
Memorialized: Manila American Cemetery – Tablets of the Missing – United States Marine Corps
Awards: Purple Heart
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He was the son of Winfield Scott "Win" Armstrong and Cora Penelope Vaughan Armstrong. Paul had five sisters and three brothers.
1930 United States Federal Census (30 April 1930): District 4, Hawkins County, Tennessee (sheet 21B, family 455) – Paul E Armstrong (13 Tennessee).
He graduated from Rogersville High School, Rogersville, Tennessee – Class of 1936.
Paul E. Armstrong, a resident of Rogersville, Tennessee, enlisted as a Private (S/N 261240) in the United State Marine Corps on 17 September 1937 at Macon, Georgia.
ENLISTS IN U.S. MARINES
Paul Edward Armstrong of Rogersville, known locally as "Tommy," was accepted in the U.S. Marine Corps at recruiting station in Knoxville. He will go to district headquarters at Macon, Georgia, for enlistment. Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 16 September 1937, page 8 and The Knoxville Journal (Knoxville, Tennessee), Wednesday, 15 September 1937, page 5.
ARMSTRONG TO BE SENT TO PARRIS ISLAND. S. C.
MACON, Ga. – Paul E. Armstrong of Rogersville enlisted in the United State Marine Corps September 17th at the district recruiting headquarters in Macon, Georgia, and has been assigned to the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina, for initial training, Major J. M. Tildsley, district recruiting officer, announced.
Paul is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Armstrong of Route 3. He graduated at the Rogersville High School, and intends to further his education through the medium of the Marine Corps Institute, Washington, D. C., which offers Marines an opportunity to enroll for various courses where they may learn free of charge some trade, art or science... Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 23 September 1937, page 5.
On 18 September 1937 Private Paul E. Armstrong was sent to MB, Parris Island, South Carolina.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 18 September 1937 to 10 November 1937
Recruit Depot Detachment, Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina
Private Paul E. Armstrong. He joined Recruit Depot Detachment at Parris Island on 18 September 1937 from DHS, Macon, Georgia.
PAUL ARMSTRONG TRANSFERRED TO QUANTICCO, VA.
Private Pal E. Armstrong, U.S. Marine Corps, son of Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Armstrong of Route 3, Rogersville, who was accepted for service last September, has completed the basic course of instruction at the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, S. C., and had been transferred to Quantico, Va., for assignment to duty with the Fleet Marine Force, it is announced by Maj. J. M. Tildsley, officer in charge of recruiting activities for this area, with headquarters at Macon, Georgia.
Private Armstrong is a graduate of the Rogersville High School, class of 1836, and his classmates and many friends in this section will be interested to lear of his activities.
He left Parris Island for his new station November 9th.
Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 18 November 1937, page 1.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 10 November 1937 to 12 April 19389
''B'' Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Brigade, Fleet Marine Force MB, Quantico, Virginia/Camp Perry, Ohio/Camp R. P. Williams, Brentsvllle, Virginia/ Camp A. W. Johnson, Culebra, Puerto Rico.
Private Paul E. Armstrong. he joined ''B'' Company on 10 November 1937 from RD Det., MB Parris Island, S.C. Tommy was given a furlough from 20-27 December 1937. He was given another furlough from 02-14 April 1938. In August 1938 ''B'' Company was stationed at Camp Perry, Ohio. In September 1938 they were stationed at Camp R. P. Williams, Brentsvllle, Virginia. By October 1938 they were back at Quantico, Virginia. Tommy was given a furlough from 18-26 December 1938.
In January 1939 they were sent to Camp A. W. Johnson at Culebra, Puerto Rico. They returned to Quantico in March 1939. On 12 April 1939 an extension of his enlistment was executed for one year for general assignment to Asiatic station. He was sent the same day to MBNOB, Norfolk, Virginia , FFT to Asiatic Station. On 17 April 1939 he embarked aboard the U.S.S. HENDERSON to Asiatic Station for general assignment. The HENDERSON sailed from NOB, Norfolk, Virginia on 18 April 1939.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 02 July 1939 to 12 September 1939
Company ''D'' , First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Camp Holcomb, Chinwangtao, China/Shanghai, China
Private Paul E. Armstrong. He arrived at Shanghai, China aboard the HENDERSON on 02 July 1939 and was assigned to Company ''D'', Camp Holcomb. In August 1939, Company ''D'' was station in Shanghai, China. On 12 September 1939, Private Armstrong was transferred to Company ''A'', same station.
"US Marines served in China at various times and places from the days of the Boxer Rebellion of 1900. During the 1920's and 30's Marines were stationed at the American Embassy in Peking (Beijing). They were the Embassy Guard Detachment. In 1938 a unit was sent from Peking to Tientsin (Tianjin) to take over legation guard duty from the Army. A still smaller detachment was sent to Fort Holcomb at Chinwangtao (Qinhuangdao), about 140 miles northeast of Tientsin. This was the seaport through which all shipping for the embassy and the Marines had to travel. In the late 1930's the Embassy Guard Detachment in Peking consisted of about 300 men, the Legation Guard Detachment in Tientsin about 200 men, with about 20 men at Chinwangtao. (Spellings of Chinese cities are from that time period, not current usage.) In 1937 the Japanese invaded and conquered much of eastern China. While Japan controlled this area of China, various military units of other nations remained. The British, French, and Italians also kept forces in China." Source: North China Marines http://www.northchinamarines.com/
The 4th Marines were responsible for protecting the International Settlement in Shanghai. Their mission was to prevent fighting between Japanese and Chinese forces from spilling over into the International zone and protecting American interests. Source: U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls; A Brief History of the 4th Marines by James S. Santelli (Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. 1970).
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 12 September 1939 to 29 September 1941.
Company ''A'', First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Shanghai, China
Private/Private First Class/Corporal Paul E. Armstrong. On 12 September 1939 he joined from Company ''D", same station. From 09-22 October 1939 Paul was on temporary duty at Riverside Power Plant, Shanghai, China. On 02 December 1939 he was promoted to Private First Class. He was sick in the Regiment Hospital 29 December 1939 to 03 January 1940 and again from 25 February to 08 March 1940. PFC Armstrong was back on temporary duty at Riverside Power Plant from 29 April to 06 May 1940. On 26 June 1940 he qualified at marksman. On 06 September 1940 Paul was promoted to Corporal. CPL Armstrong was on temporary duty at Riverside Power Plant from 21-27 April 1941. On 29 September 1941 the 4th Marines in Shanghai embarked aboard the U.S.S. HENDERSON. They sailed on 30 September 1941 and arrived and disembarked at Manila, Philippine Islands on 04 October 1941.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 04 October 1941 to 20 December 1941
Company "A" First Separate Marine Battalion, Marine Barracks, Navy Yard, Cavite, Philippine Islands
Corporal Paul E. Armstrong. On 04 October 1941 he joined Company "A" First Separate Marine Battalion from Company ''A'', First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Shanghai, China. He was one of 700 Marines that was organized as a defense and infantry battalion. The First Separate Marine Battalion at Cavite provided antiaircraft and ground protection for all naval activities there. Corporal Armstrong was given temporary duty (guard duty) at the U.S. Naval Section Base Two, Mariveles, Bataan from 11-31 October 1941.
On the 14th of November, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced that "The Government of the United States has decided to withdraw the American Marine detachments now maintained ashore in China..." Clouds of war were quickly closing in on the China Marines as Japan and the United States edged ever closer to active hostilities. "one could sense the tenseness in the air," Lieutenant Colonel Curtis T. Beecher remembered, "There was a general feeling of uneasiness in the air." Source: From Shanghai To Corregidor: Marines In The Defense Of The Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in WWII Commemorative Series), page 3.
By the end of November 1941 the rest of the Fourth Marines in China were sent to the Philippine Islands.
Cavite
Three Marine-manned antiaircraft positions were located outside the Cavite Navy Yard: Battery A, across the bay at Canacao Golf Course on the tip of Sangley Point; Battery B at Carridad; and Battery C at Binacayan one mile south. Each was "armed with four 3-inch dual-purpose guns, 3-inch antiaircraft guns, or .50-caliber machine guns." Battery D was divided to support each position with five .50-caliber machine guns.
War with Japan broke out on 08 December 1941. "The news was stunning, perhaps paralyzingly unbelievable. The Japanese would not dare to attack the United States!" Ted R. Williams. But they did and on 10 December, 54 Japanese planes in three large "V" formations bombed the Cavite Navy Yard. The Japanese aircraft were flying at 21,000-25,000 feet but the Marine antiaircraft guns had a range of only 15,000 feet. First Lieutenant Carter Simpson at Binacayan later wrote, "We were left with a sense of fatality which was renewed every time our eyes fell on the Yard across the bay ... A toy pistol would have damaged their planes as much as we did." Battery A on Sangley Point ceased fire after the first wave passed untouched.... Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor: Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in World War II Commemorative Series), pages 7 and 8.
Approximately 1000 people were killed that day and the Navy Yard was left burning and in shambles. The first Marine to lose his life in defense of the Philippine Islands was Private First Class Thomas L. Wetherington, killed by bomb fragments. "As night neared, all personnel, except a small group of Marines and Manila firemen, were evacuated out of the Yard and transported by truck to a site on the road leading to Manila. After traveling 15 miles the trucks stopped and the battalion set up camp. The following morning Marine detachments were sent back to guard the abandoned Navy Yard." Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor: Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in World War II Commemorative Series), pages 8 and 9.
Japanese forces began a full-scale invasion of Luzon on 22 December. In response, General Douglas MacArthur, ordered the withdrawal of the American and Filipino forces to the Bataan peninsula to be a part of the Bataan Defense Force. On 26 December the First Separate Marine Battalion were moved to Mariveles, Bataan. "As night fell on 26 December all personnel, equipment, and supplies were in place in the jungle near Mariveles." Over the next couple of days they were moved to Fort Mills, Corregidor Island. On 01 January 1942 the First Separate Marine Battalion was redesignated as 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines. Corporal Paul E. Armstrong was assigned to Company "K", Third Battalion, Fourth Marines.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 01 January 1942 to 18 February 1942
Company "K", Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Corregidor, Philippine Islands.
Corporal Paul E. Armstrong. Sometime in February/March (before April) 1942 he was transferred to Headquarters Company. The Marines were assigned to beach defenses on the tail of the island. Work began immediately on construction of beach defenses. He transferred to the regiment's Headquarters Company on 18 February 1942.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 18 February 1942 to 06 May 1942
Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Corregidor, Philippine Islands.
Corporal/Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong. He had been promoted to Sergeant sometime in February/March 1942.
As the weeks passed, the 4th Marines and other units garrisoning Corregidor realized the hopelessness of the situation when it became clear that no relief force would be forthcoming. The 4th Marines' mission of defending the beaches gained new importance as the Japanese moved down the Bataan Peninsula. Source: A Brief History of the 4th Marines by James S. Santelli (Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. 1970), page 24.
On 09 April 1942, Filipino and U.S. forces on Bataan were surrendered and the Japanese were able to mass artillery for an all-out attack of the Rock from just 2 miles away. A virtual rain of shells and bombs saturated the island during April, resulting in the destruction of most beach defenses.
April 29, Wednesday: The birthday of Emperor Hirohito. The Japanese raise the level of intensity of the aerial and artillery attacks a few notches. At 0730, the attack opens with the 260th air alarm of the campaign. Japanese bombers flew 83 sorties, dropping 106 tons of bombs. The air raids and the artillery fire continue without let up all day. By nightfall, Corregidor is in shambles, a pulverized, blasted chunk of rock lying under a blanket of dust and smoke. Fires rage out of control all over the island and smoke towers 3,000 feet in the air.
"It took no mental giant," wrote Wainwright, "to figure out, that the enemy was ready to come against Corregidor." On the night of 05 May 1942, Japanese forces landed on the island. Despite heavy resistance by the defenders and severe losses to the Japanese, the enemy was able to push forward. The situation grew more perilous and feeling that further resistance was useless and fearing a possible massacre of 1,000 sick and wounded personnel in Malinta Tunnel, General Wainwright decided to surrender. At 1200, 06 May 1942 the surrender went into effect.
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong was among those killed on 06 May 1942. No details of his final moments is known.
Sergeant Armstrong was initially listed as missing in action by the War Department.
TOMMY ARMSTRONG IS REPORTED MISSING; LAST ON CORREGIDOR ISLAND, IS BELIEF
The U.S. Marine commandant has notified the parents of Corp. Paul E. (Tommy) Armstrong the he is missing and will be "carried on records as missing pending further information. No report of his death has been received and he maybe a prisoner of war." The officer also noted that it may be several months before definite official information can be expected.
The parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Armstrong of Rogersville, are hopeful that their son is alive. He was landed in the Philippines last November from China and was on Corregidor when it capitulated a few weeks ago. He was a member of the Fourth Regiment of Marines.
Ironically enough a letter came from Tommy on Monday of this week. he told his parents in two or three sentences that he was well and feeling fine. The letter was dated March 8th. It reached here May 11th. It was censored and there was no way of telling form what place it was mailed. In the right hand corner of the envelope was the following: "Service mail, no postage available."
Tommy was home the last time about three years ago. He has been in the Marines about four years, serving most of that time in foreign service. He re-enlisted the latter part of last years, just before war broke out. He was 20 years old when he joined the Marines.
Everyone in Rogersville knows of Tommy's efforts to join the Marines. He was working at the Sweet Shoppe at the time he decided to become a member of that branch of service. He was underweight the first time he tried it. He came home and tried to put on a little weight and when he went to the recruiting office the second time he ate several bananas and passed the examination with about a pound to spare. He wanted to get into the service of his country. We believe there are few soldiers, sailors or marines who liked the service better than young Armstrong. He was a model soldier. He was in Shanghai when that place was a keg of powder balanced precariously on the brink of a volcano and the tales he could tell of his experience there would be thrilling. He was, it is believed, at the great Cavite Naval base in the Philippines when it was bombed by the Japs, and it is believed he fought on the bloody Bataan and finally on the fortress of Corregidor.
His many friends, along with his anxious parents, will eagerly await news of this intrepid soldier. Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 14 May 1942, page 1.
Sadly Tommy was already dead by the time that article was published.
Sergeant Armstrong was initially listed as missing in action.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll – 01 June 1942 to 02 July 1943
Prisoner of War and Missing Persons Detachment, HQ ,U.S. Marine Corps
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong. Missing in Action.
It wasn't until some affidavits of his death were given by fellow Marines while they were in Cabanatuan Prison in July 1943 that he was officially listed as killed in action on 06 May 1942.
Sgt. Floyd L. Tebo, USMC, 227505, swore on 26 July 1943, that he saw the dead bodies of the following men who died on the dates noted on Corregidor Island, P.I.:
PFC John W. Durham, Jr., USMC – 5-5-42
Sgt. Paul E. Armstrong, USMC – 5-6-42
Sgt. Edward V. Foresman, USMC – 5-6-42
QM Sgt. John E. Haskin, USMC – 5-6-42
PFC Kenneth L. Jerrett, USMC – 5-6-42
Source: Affidavit of death for Sgt. Paul E. Armstrong, USMC, killed on Corregidor. File 558-7 1942 Death Reports, shows cause and date of death and place of burial of some cases. Reports collected in Cabanatuan POW Camp; Philippine Archives Collection.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll – 03 July 1943
Prisoner of War and Missing Persons Detachment, HQ ,U.S. Marine Corps
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong. See Footnote A.
Footnote A. 1-2, Missing In Action. 3-letter from International Red Cross indicates these men were killed in action on the sixth day of May 1942. Body not recovered. Go#20 does not apply. Char. Excellent"
Tommy Armstrong 'Killed in Action'
Word came to Mr. and Mrs. Wint S. Armstron on July 1st that their son, Paul E. (Tommy) had been killed in action in the Philippine Islands. Tommy, who was in the Marine Corps, had previously been reported missing.
The telegram from T. Holcomb, Lieut.-Gen. U.S. Marine Corps, read as follows:
Deeply regret to inform you, cablegram from International Red Cross Tokyo, Japan reports that according to American officer held prisoner of war your son Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong, U.S. Marine Corps, has been carried on the records of this headquarters as missing in action was killed in action in the Philippine Islands. Date not given. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Letter follows."
Mr. Armstrong still refuses to believe that his son is dead, and that there is a possibility that he is in a Jap prison camp. He was first notified that the boy was missing when the Philippines fell. Tommy was believed to have been on Corregidor when that bastion of U.S. defense went down before the overwhelming number of Japs.
Tommy joined the Marines several years ago. His weight at first prevented him from enlisting but he came home, ate lots of bananas and finally was accepted. He worked at the Sweet Shoppe at the time of his enlistment.
Mr. Armstrong said Tommy's enlistment ran out while he was in the Far East and that he re-enlisted. He had not been home in several years. Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 08 July 1943, page 1.
TENNESSEE, ALABAMA MARINES LISTED DEAD
WASHINGTON, July 5 (AP) – The Navy announced today five casualties. All are dead.
In addition, 17 names are listed whose status has changed from missing to dead.
This brings to 27,028 the total of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard casualties reported to next of kin since Dec. 7, 1941. The grand total includes 8,185 dead, 4,734 wounded, 10,516, missing and 5,393 prisoners.
The casualties announced today include:
Tramble O. Armstrong, marine, dead; (reported missing June 1, 1942). Parents, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Armstrong, Brewton, Alabama.
Vernon E. Putnam, marine, dead; (reported missing June 1, 1942). Father, Rufus L. Putnam, Blountsville, Alabama.
Paul E. Armstrong, marine, dead; (reported missing June 1, 1942). Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Armstrong, Rogersville.
Source: Chattanooga Daily Times (Chattanooga, Tennessee), Tuesday, 06 July 1943, page 11.
Sgt. Armstrong Killed By Japs On Corregidor
FAMILY RECEIVES INFORMATION ABOUT MARINE MISSING SINCE THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS FELL
The fate of Sgt. Paul Armstrong, US Marine Corps, missing since the Philippine Islands fell to the Japs in the spring of 1942, has been cleared up, according to information received by his brother, R. F. Armstrong, manager of the Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation.
In a letter from a fellow Marine it was established that Sgt. Armstrong was seen dead on Corregidor on May 6, 1942. Sgt. Donald Tervalis of Detroit is believed to have information about the last days on Corregidor and from him the family hopes to obtain more details.
Enlisting in the Marines in 1939 Sgt. Armstrong served one enlistment and joined up for further service in Shanghai, China. When the storm broke over the Philippines he was rushed to the scene of action and died gallantly fighting the Japanese.
Native of Rogersville, Tenn., Sgt. Armstrong was 28 years of age. He was the first man from his county lost in action, it is recalled by his brother here.
The family finds comfort in the fact that he was slain in combat while resisting the onslaught of the Japs and did not have to endure the horrors of the death march and the long years of imprisonment and starvation and cruel treatment. Source: Jackson Progress Argus (Jackson, Georgia), Thursday, 13 December 1945.
DATA ON REMAINS NOT YET RECOVERED OR IDENTIFIED
Sergeant Paul Edward Armstrong (S/N 261240), 4th Marines, 06 May 1942, KIA, details not known, Corregidor, Philippine Islands. He was described as 66½ inches tall (5' 5"), 122 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair; Creed - Methodist.
"Sergeant Armstrong was serving on Corregidor at the time of the capitulation of the United States Forces to the Japanese. A cablegram received 20 June 1943 through International Red Cross stated that Sergeant Armstrong was killed during the occupation of the Philippine Islands by the Japanese. After the surrender of the Japanese a roster prepared by administrative personnel of 4th Marines in the Cabanatuan Camp was received together with other recovered documents. This roster contains the following notation relative to Sergeant Armstrong: "KIA 5/6/42. Corr." This same information is contained in a statement from a former POW. No information has been received relative to disposition of remains." Source: Quartermaster Form 371, completed during the post-war search for Sergeant Armstrong's remains.
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong's remains have never been found.
Sergeant Paul Edward Armstrong is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing – United States Marine Corps in the Manila American Cemetery.
He also has a cenotaph in McKinney Cemetery, Rogersville, Hawkins County, Tennessee.
"Marine casualties in the defense of the Philippines totaled 72 killed in action, 17 dead of wounds, and 167 wounded in action. Worse that the casualty levels caused by combat in the Philippines was the brutal treatment of the Marines in Japanese hands. Of the 1,487 members of the 4th Marines captured on Corregidor, 474 died in captivity." Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller, page 44.
Paul E. Armstrong
Service #: 261240
Entered Service From: Georgia
Rank: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Headquarters Company, Fourth Marines
Date of Death: 06 May 1942, Fort Mills, Corregidor Island, Philippines.
Status: Missing in Action
Memorialized: Manila American Cemetery – Tablets of the Missing – United States Marine Corps
Awards: Purple Heart
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He was the son of Winfield Scott "Win" Armstrong and Cora Penelope Vaughan Armstrong. Paul had five sisters and three brothers.
1930 United States Federal Census (30 April 1930): District 4, Hawkins County, Tennessee (sheet 21B, family 455) – Paul E Armstrong (13 Tennessee).
He graduated from Rogersville High School, Rogersville, Tennessee – Class of 1936.
Paul E. Armstrong, a resident of Rogersville, Tennessee, enlisted as a Private (S/N 261240) in the United State Marine Corps on 17 September 1937 at Macon, Georgia.
ENLISTS IN U.S. MARINES
Paul Edward Armstrong of Rogersville, known locally as "Tommy," was accepted in the U.S. Marine Corps at recruiting station in Knoxville. He will go to district headquarters at Macon, Georgia, for enlistment. Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 16 September 1937, page 8 and The Knoxville Journal (Knoxville, Tennessee), Wednesday, 15 September 1937, page 5.
ARMSTRONG TO BE SENT TO PARRIS ISLAND. S. C.
MACON, Ga. – Paul E. Armstrong of Rogersville enlisted in the United State Marine Corps September 17th at the district recruiting headquarters in Macon, Georgia, and has been assigned to the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina, for initial training, Major J. M. Tildsley, district recruiting officer, announced.
Paul is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Armstrong of Route 3. He graduated at the Rogersville High School, and intends to further his education through the medium of the Marine Corps Institute, Washington, D. C., which offers Marines an opportunity to enroll for various courses where they may learn free of charge some trade, art or science... Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 23 September 1937, page 5.
On 18 September 1937 Private Paul E. Armstrong was sent to MB, Parris Island, South Carolina.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 18 September 1937 to 10 November 1937
Recruit Depot Detachment, Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina
Private Paul E. Armstrong. He joined Recruit Depot Detachment at Parris Island on 18 September 1937 from DHS, Macon, Georgia.
PAUL ARMSTRONG TRANSFERRED TO QUANTICCO, VA.
Private Pal E. Armstrong, U.S. Marine Corps, son of Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Armstrong of Route 3, Rogersville, who was accepted for service last September, has completed the basic course of instruction at the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, S. C., and had been transferred to Quantico, Va., for assignment to duty with the Fleet Marine Force, it is announced by Maj. J. M. Tildsley, officer in charge of recruiting activities for this area, with headquarters at Macon, Georgia.
Private Armstrong is a graduate of the Rogersville High School, class of 1836, and his classmates and many friends in this section will be interested to lear of his activities.
He left Parris Island for his new station November 9th.
Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 18 November 1937, page 1.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 10 November 1937 to 12 April 19389
''B'' Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Brigade, Fleet Marine Force MB, Quantico, Virginia/Camp Perry, Ohio/Camp R. P. Williams, Brentsvllle, Virginia/ Camp A. W. Johnson, Culebra, Puerto Rico.
Private Paul E. Armstrong. he joined ''B'' Company on 10 November 1937 from RD Det., MB Parris Island, S.C. Tommy was given a furlough from 20-27 December 1937. He was given another furlough from 02-14 April 1938. In August 1938 ''B'' Company was stationed at Camp Perry, Ohio. In September 1938 they were stationed at Camp R. P. Williams, Brentsvllle, Virginia. By October 1938 they were back at Quantico, Virginia. Tommy was given a furlough from 18-26 December 1938.
In January 1939 they were sent to Camp A. W. Johnson at Culebra, Puerto Rico. They returned to Quantico in March 1939. On 12 April 1939 an extension of his enlistment was executed for one year for general assignment to Asiatic station. He was sent the same day to MBNOB, Norfolk, Virginia , FFT to Asiatic Station. On 17 April 1939 he embarked aboard the U.S.S. HENDERSON to Asiatic Station for general assignment. The HENDERSON sailed from NOB, Norfolk, Virginia on 18 April 1939.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 02 July 1939 to 12 September 1939
Company ''D'' , First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Camp Holcomb, Chinwangtao, China/Shanghai, China
Private Paul E. Armstrong. He arrived at Shanghai, China aboard the HENDERSON on 02 July 1939 and was assigned to Company ''D'', Camp Holcomb. In August 1939, Company ''D'' was station in Shanghai, China. On 12 September 1939, Private Armstrong was transferred to Company ''A'', same station.
"US Marines served in China at various times and places from the days of the Boxer Rebellion of 1900. During the 1920's and 30's Marines were stationed at the American Embassy in Peking (Beijing). They were the Embassy Guard Detachment. In 1938 a unit was sent from Peking to Tientsin (Tianjin) to take over legation guard duty from the Army. A still smaller detachment was sent to Fort Holcomb at Chinwangtao (Qinhuangdao), about 140 miles northeast of Tientsin. This was the seaport through which all shipping for the embassy and the Marines had to travel. In the late 1930's the Embassy Guard Detachment in Peking consisted of about 300 men, the Legation Guard Detachment in Tientsin about 200 men, with about 20 men at Chinwangtao. (Spellings of Chinese cities are from that time period, not current usage.) In 1937 the Japanese invaded and conquered much of eastern China. While Japan controlled this area of China, various military units of other nations remained. The British, French, and Italians also kept forces in China." Source: North China Marines http://www.northchinamarines.com/
The 4th Marines were responsible for protecting the International Settlement in Shanghai. Their mission was to prevent fighting between Japanese and Chinese forces from spilling over into the International zone and protecting American interests. Source: U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls; A Brief History of the 4th Marines by James S. Santelli (Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. 1970).
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 12 September 1939 to 29 September 1941.
Company ''A'', First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Shanghai, China
Private/Private First Class/Corporal Paul E. Armstrong. On 12 September 1939 he joined from Company ''D", same station. From 09-22 October 1939 Paul was on temporary duty at Riverside Power Plant, Shanghai, China. On 02 December 1939 he was promoted to Private First Class. He was sick in the Regiment Hospital 29 December 1939 to 03 January 1940 and again from 25 February to 08 March 1940. PFC Armstrong was back on temporary duty at Riverside Power Plant from 29 April to 06 May 1940. On 26 June 1940 he qualified at marksman. On 06 September 1940 Paul was promoted to Corporal. CPL Armstrong was on temporary duty at Riverside Power Plant from 21-27 April 1941. On 29 September 1941 the 4th Marines in Shanghai embarked aboard the U.S.S. HENDERSON. They sailed on 30 September 1941 and arrived and disembarked at Manila, Philippine Islands on 04 October 1941.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 04 October 1941 to 20 December 1941
Company "A" First Separate Marine Battalion, Marine Barracks, Navy Yard, Cavite, Philippine Islands
Corporal Paul E. Armstrong. On 04 October 1941 he joined Company "A" First Separate Marine Battalion from Company ''A'', First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Shanghai, China. He was one of 700 Marines that was organized as a defense and infantry battalion. The First Separate Marine Battalion at Cavite provided antiaircraft and ground protection for all naval activities there. Corporal Armstrong was given temporary duty (guard duty) at the U.S. Naval Section Base Two, Mariveles, Bataan from 11-31 October 1941.
On the 14th of November, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced that "The Government of the United States has decided to withdraw the American Marine detachments now maintained ashore in China..." Clouds of war were quickly closing in on the China Marines as Japan and the United States edged ever closer to active hostilities. "one could sense the tenseness in the air," Lieutenant Colonel Curtis T. Beecher remembered, "There was a general feeling of uneasiness in the air." Source: From Shanghai To Corregidor: Marines In The Defense Of The Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in WWII Commemorative Series), page 3.
By the end of November 1941 the rest of the Fourth Marines in China were sent to the Philippine Islands.
Cavite
Three Marine-manned antiaircraft positions were located outside the Cavite Navy Yard: Battery A, across the bay at Canacao Golf Course on the tip of Sangley Point; Battery B at Carridad; and Battery C at Binacayan one mile south. Each was "armed with four 3-inch dual-purpose guns, 3-inch antiaircraft guns, or .50-caliber machine guns." Battery D was divided to support each position with five .50-caliber machine guns.
War with Japan broke out on 08 December 1941. "The news was stunning, perhaps paralyzingly unbelievable. The Japanese would not dare to attack the United States!" Ted R. Williams. But they did and on 10 December, 54 Japanese planes in three large "V" formations bombed the Cavite Navy Yard. The Japanese aircraft were flying at 21,000-25,000 feet but the Marine antiaircraft guns had a range of only 15,000 feet. First Lieutenant Carter Simpson at Binacayan later wrote, "We were left with a sense of fatality which was renewed every time our eyes fell on the Yard across the bay ... A toy pistol would have damaged their planes as much as we did." Battery A on Sangley Point ceased fire after the first wave passed untouched.... Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor: Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in World War II Commemorative Series), pages 7 and 8.
Approximately 1000 people were killed that day and the Navy Yard was left burning and in shambles. The first Marine to lose his life in defense of the Philippine Islands was Private First Class Thomas L. Wetherington, killed by bomb fragments. "As night neared, all personnel, except a small group of Marines and Manila firemen, were evacuated out of the Yard and transported by truck to a site on the road leading to Manila. After traveling 15 miles the trucks stopped and the battalion set up camp. The following morning Marine detachments were sent back to guard the abandoned Navy Yard." Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor: Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in World War II Commemorative Series), pages 8 and 9.
Japanese forces began a full-scale invasion of Luzon on 22 December. In response, General Douglas MacArthur, ordered the withdrawal of the American and Filipino forces to the Bataan peninsula to be a part of the Bataan Defense Force. On 26 December the First Separate Marine Battalion were moved to Mariveles, Bataan. "As night fell on 26 December all personnel, equipment, and supplies were in place in the jungle near Mariveles." Over the next couple of days they were moved to Fort Mills, Corregidor Island. On 01 January 1942 the First Separate Marine Battalion was redesignated as 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines. Corporal Paul E. Armstrong was assigned to Company "K", Third Battalion, Fourth Marines.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 01 January 1942 to 18 February 1942
Company "K", Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Corregidor, Philippine Islands.
Corporal Paul E. Armstrong. Sometime in February/March (before April) 1942 he was transferred to Headquarters Company. The Marines were assigned to beach defenses on the tail of the island. Work began immediately on construction of beach defenses. He transferred to the regiment's Headquarters Company on 18 February 1942.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 18 February 1942 to 06 May 1942
Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Corregidor, Philippine Islands.
Corporal/Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong. He had been promoted to Sergeant sometime in February/March 1942.
As the weeks passed, the 4th Marines and other units garrisoning Corregidor realized the hopelessness of the situation when it became clear that no relief force would be forthcoming. The 4th Marines' mission of defending the beaches gained new importance as the Japanese moved down the Bataan Peninsula. Source: A Brief History of the 4th Marines by James S. Santelli (Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. 1970), page 24.
On 09 April 1942, Filipino and U.S. forces on Bataan were surrendered and the Japanese were able to mass artillery for an all-out attack of the Rock from just 2 miles away. A virtual rain of shells and bombs saturated the island during April, resulting in the destruction of most beach defenses.
April 29, Wednesday: The birthday of Emperor Hirohito. The Japanese raise the level of intensity of the aerial and artillery attacks a few notches. At 0730, the attack opens with the 260th air alarm of the campaign. Japanese bombers flew 83 sorties, dropping 106 tons of bombs. The air raids and the artillery fire continue without let up all day. By nightfall, Corregidor is in shambles, a pulverized, blasted chunk of rock lying under a blanket of dust and smoke. Fires rage out of control all over the island and smoke towers 3,000 feet in the air.
"It took no mental giant," wrote Wainwright, "to figure out, that the enemy was ready to come against Corregidor." On the night of 05 May 1942, Japanese forces landed on the island. Despite heavy resistance by the defenders and severe losses to the Japanese, the enemy was able to push forward. The situation grew more perilous and feeling that further resistance was useless and fearing a possible massacre of 1,000 sick and wounded personnel in Malinta Tunnel, General Wainwright decided to surrender. At 1200, 06 May 1942 the surrender went into effect.
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong was among those killed on 06 May 1942. No details of his final moments is known.
Sergeant Armstrong was initially listed as missing in action by the War Department.
TOMMY ARMSTRONG IS REPORTED MISSING; LAST ON CORREGIDOR ISLAND, IS BELIEF
The U.S. Marine commandant has notified the parents of Corp. Paul E. (Tommy) Armstrong the he is missing and will be "carried on records as missing pending further information. No report of his death has been received and he maybe a prisoner of war." The officer also noted that it may be several months before definite official information can be expected.
The parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Armstrong of Rogersville, are hopeful that their son is alive. He was landed in the Philippines last November from China and was on Corregidor when it capitulated a few weeks ago. He was a member of the Fourth Regiment of Marines.
Ironically enough a letter came from Tommy on Monday of this week. he told his parents in two or three sentences that he was well and feeling fine. The letter was dated March 8th. It reached here May 11th. It was censored and there was no way of telling form what place it was mailed. In the right hand corner of the envelope was the following: "Service mail, no postage available."
Tommy was home the last time about three years ago. He has been in the Marines about four years, serving most of that time in foreign service. He re-enlisted the latter part of last years, just before war broke out. He was 20 years old when he joined the Marines.
Everyone in Rogersville knows of Tommy's efforts to join the Marines. He was working at the Sweet Shoppe at the time he decided to become a member of that branch of service. He was underweight the first time he tried it. He came home and tried to put on a little weight and when he went to the recruiting office the second time he ate several bananas and passed the examination with about a pound to spare. He wanted to get into the service of his country. We believe there are few soldiers, sailors or marines who liked the service better than young Armstrong. He was a model soldier. He was in Shanghai when that place was a keg of powder balanced precariously on the brink of a volcano and the tales he could tell of his experience there would be thrilling. He was, it is believed, at the great Cavite Naval base in the Philippines when it was bombed by the Japs, and it is believed he fought on the bloody Bataan and finally on the fortress of Corregidor.
His many friends, along with his anxious parents, will eagerly await news of this intrepid soldier. Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 14 May 1942, page 1.
Sadly Tommy was already dead by the time that article was published.
Sergeant Armstrong was initially listed as missing in action.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll – 01 June 1942 to 02 July 1943
Prisoner of War and Missing Persons Detachment, HQ ,U.S. Marine Corps
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong. Missing in Action.
It wasn't until some affidavits of his death were given by fellow Marines while they were in Cabanatuan Prison in July 1943 that he was officially listed as killed in action on 06 May 1942.
Sgt. Floyd L. Tebo, USMC, 227505, swore on 26 July 1943, that he saw the dead bodies of the following men who died on the dates noted on Corregidor Island, P.I.:
PFC John W. Durham, Jr., USMC – 5-5-42
Sgt. Paul E. Armstrong, USMC – 5-6-42
Sgt. Edward V. Foresman, USMC – 5-6-42
QM Sgt. John E. Haskin, USMC – 5-6-42
PFC Kenneth L. Jerrett, USMC – 5-6-42
Source: Affidavit of death for Sgt. Paul E. Armstrong, USMC, killed on Corregidor. File 558-7 1942 Death Reports, shows cause and date of death and place of burial of some cases. Reports collected in Cabanatuan POW Camp; Philippine Archives Collection.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll – 03 July 1943
Prisoner of War and Missing Persons Detachment, HQ ,U.S. Marine Corps
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong. See Footnote A.
Footnote A. 1-2, Missing In Action. 3-letter from International Red Cross indicates these men were killed in action on the sixth day of May 1942. Body not recovered. Go#20 does not apply. Char. Excellent"
Tommy Armstrong 'Killed in Action'
Word came to Mr. and Mrs. Wint S. Armstron on July 1st that their son, Paul E. (Tommy) had been killed in action in the Philippine Islands. Tommy, who was in the Marine Corps, had previously been reported missing.
The telegram from T. Holcomb, Lieut.-Gen. U.S. Marine Corps, read as follows:
Deeply regret to inform you, cablegram from International Red Cross Tokyo, Japan reports that according to American officer held prisoner of war your son Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong, U.S. Marine Corps, has been carried on the records of this headquarters as missing in action was killed in action in the Philippine Islands. Date not given. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Letter follows."
Mr. Armstrong still refuses to believe that his son is dead, and that there is a possibility that he is in a Jap prison camp. He was first notified that the boy was missing when the Philippines fell. Tommy was believed to have been on Corregidor when that bastion of U.S. defense went down before the overwhelming number of Japs.
Tommy joined the Marines several years ago. His weight at first prevented him from enlisting but he came home, ate lots of bananas and finally was accepted. He worked at the Sweet Shoppe at the time of his enlistment.
Mr. Armstrong said Tommy's enlistment ran out while he was in the Far East and that he re-enlisted. He had not been home in several years. Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 08 July 1943, page 1.
TENNESSEE, ALABAMA MARINES LISTED DEAD
WASHINGTON, July 5 (AP) – The Navy announced today five casualties. All are dead.
In addition, 17 names are listed whose status has changed from missing to dead.
This brings to 27,028 the total of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard casualties reported to next of kin since Dec. 7, 1941. The grand total includes 8,185 dead, 4,734 wounded, 10,516, missing and 5,393 prisoners.
The casualties announced today include:
Tramble O. Armstrong, marine, dead; (reported missing June 1, 1942). Parents, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Armstrong, Brewton, Alabama.
Vernon E. Putnam, marine, dead; (reported missing June 1, 1942). Father, Rufus L. Putnam, Blountsville, Alabama.
Paul E. Armstrong, marine, dead; (reported missing June 1, 1942). Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Armstrong, Rogersville.
Source: Chattanooga Daily Times (Chattanooga, Tennessee), Tuesday, 06 July 1943, page 11.
Sgt. Armstrong Killed By Japs On Corregidor
FAMILY RECEIVES INFORMATION ABOUT MARINE MISSING SINCE THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS FELL
The fate of Sgt. Paul Armstrong, US Marine Corps, missing since the Philippine Islands fell to the Japs in the spring of 1942, has been cleared up, according to information received by his brother, R. F. Armstrong, manager of the Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation.
In a letter from a fellow Marine it was established that Sgt. Armstrong was seen dead on Corregidor on May 6, 1942. Sgt. Donald Tervalis of Detroit is believed to have information about the last days on Corregidor and from him the family hopes to obtain more details.
Enlisting in the Marines in 1939 Sgt. Armstrong served one enlistment and joined up for further service in Shanghai, China. When the storm broke over the Philippines he was rushed to the scene of action and died gallantly fighting the Japanese.
Native of Rogersville, Tenn., Sgt. Armstrong was 28 years of age. He was the first man from his county lost in action, it is recalled by his brother here.
The family finds comfort in the fact that he was slain in combat while resisting the onslaught of the Japs and did not have to endure the horrors of the death march and the long years of imprisonment and starvation and cruel treatment. Source: Jackson Progress Argus (Jackson, Georgia), Thursday, 13 December 1945.
DATA ON REMAINS NOT YET RECOVERED OR IDENTIFIED
Sergeant Paul Edward Armstrong (S/N 261240), 4th Marines, 06 May 1942, KIA, details not known, Corregidor, Philippine Islands. He was described as 66½ inches tall (5' 5"), 122 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair; Creed - Methodist.
"Sergeant Armstrong was serving on Corregidor at the time of the capitulation of the United States Forces to the Japanese. A cablegram received 20 June 1943 through International Red Cross stated that Sergeant Armstrong was killed during the occupation of the Philippine Islands by the Japanese. After the surrender of the Japanese a roster prepared by administrative personnel of 4th Marines in the Cabanatuan Camp was received together with other recovered documents. This roster contains the following notation relative to Sergeant Armstrong: "KIA 5/6/42. Corr." This same information is contained in a statement from a former POW. No information has been received relative to disposition of remains." Source: Quartermaster Form 371, completed during the post-war search for Sergeant Armstrong's remains.
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong's remains have never been found.
Sergeant Paul Edward Armstrong is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing – United States Marine Corps in the Manila American Cemetery.
He also has a cenotaph in McKinney Cemetery, Rogersville, Hawkins County, Tennessee.
"Marine casualties in the defense of the Philippines totaled 72 killed in action, 17 dead of wounds, and 167 wounded in action. Worse that the casualty levels caused by combat in the Philippines was the brutal treatment of the Marines in Japanese hands. Of the 1,487 members of the 4th Marines captured on Corregidor, 474 died in captivity." Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller, page 44.
Service #: 261240
Entered Service From: Georgia
Rank: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Headquarters Company, Fourth Marines
Date of Death: 06 May 1942, Fort Mills, Corregidor Island, Philippines.
Status: Missing in Action
Memorialized: Manila American Cemetery – Tablets of the Missing – United States Marine Corps
Awards: Purple Heart
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He was the son of Winfield Scott "Win" Armstrong and Cora Penelope Vaughan Armstrong. Paul had five sisters and three brothers.
1930 United States Federal Census (30 April 1930): District 4, Hawkins County, Tennessee (sheet 21B, family 455) – Paul E Armstrong (13 Tennessee).
He graduated from Rogersville High School, Rogersville, Tennessee – Class of 1936.
Paul E. Armstrong, a resident of Rogersville, Tennessee, enlisted as a Private (S/N 261240) in the United State Marine Corps on 17 September 1937 at Macon, Georgia.
ENLISTS IN U.S. MARINES
Paul Edward Armstrong of Rogersville, known locally as "Tommy," was accepted in the U.S. Marine Corps at recruiting station in Knoxville. He will go to district headquarters at Macon, Georgia, for enlistment. Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 16 September 1937, page 8 and The Knoxville Journal (Knoxville, Tennessee), Wednesday, 15 September 1937, page 5.
ARMSTRONG TO BE SENT TO PARRIS ISLAND. S. C.
MACON, Ga. – Paul E. Armstrong of Rogersville enlisted in the United State Marine Corps September 17th at the district recruiting headquarters in Macon, Georgia, and has been assigned to the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina, for initial training, Major J. M. Tildsley, district recruiting officer, announced.
Paul is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Armstrong of Route 3. He graduated at the Rogersville High School, and intends to further his education through the medium of the Marine Corps Institute, Washington, D. C., which offers Marines an opportunity to enroll for various courses where they may learn free of charge some trade, art or science... Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 23 September 1937, page 5.
On 18 September 1937 Private Paul E. Armstrong was sent to MB, Parris Island, South Carolina.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 18 September 1937 to 10 November 1937
Recruit Depot Detachment, Marine Barracks, Parris Island, South Carolina
Private Paul E. Armstrong. He joined Recruit Depot Detachment at Parris Island on 18 September 1937 from DHS, Macon, Georgia.
PAUL ARMSTRONG TRANSFERRED TO QUANTICCO, VA.
Private Pal E. Armstrong, U.S. Marine Corps, son of Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Armstrong of Route 3, Rogersville, who was accepted for service last September, has completed the basic course of instruction at the Marine Barracks, Parris Island, S. C., and had been transferred to Quantico, Va., for assignment to duty with the Fleet Marine Force, it is announced by Maj. J. M. Tildsley, officer in charge of recruiting activities for this area, with headquarters at Macon, Georgia.
Private Armstrong is a graduate of the Rogersville High School, class of 1836, and his classmates and many friends in this section will be interested to lear of his activities.
He left Parris Island for his new station November 9th.
Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 18 November 1937, page 1.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 10 November 1937 to 12 April 19389
''B'' Company, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Brigade, Fleet Marine Force MB, Quantico, Virginia/Camp Perry, Ohio/Camp R. P. Williams, Brentsvllle, Virginia/ Camp A. W. Johnson, Culebra, Puerto Rico.
Private Paul E. Armstrong. he joined ''B'' Company on 10 November 1937 from RD Det., MB Parris Island, S.C. Tommy was given a furlough from 20-27 December 1937. He was given another furlough from 02-14 April 1938. In August 1938 ''B'' Company was stationed at Camp Perry, Ohio. In September 1938 they were stationed at Camp R. P. Williams, Brentsvllle, Virginia. By October 1938 they were back at Quantico, Virginia. Tommy was given a furlough from 18-26 December 1938.
In January 1939 they were sent to Camp A. W. Johnson at Culebra, Puerto Rico. They returned to Quantico in March 1939. On 12 April 1939 an extension of his enlistment was executed for one year for general assignment to Asiatic station. He was sent the same day to MBNOB, Norfolk, Virginia , FFT to Asiatic Station. On 17 April 1939 he embarked aboard the U.S.S. HENDERSON to Asiatic Station for general assignment. The HENDERSON sailed from NOB, Norfolk, Virginia on 18 April 1939.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 02 July 1939 to 12 September 1939
Company ''D'' , First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Camp Holcomb, Chinwangtao, China/Shanghai, China
Private Paul E. Armstrong. He arrived at Shanghai, China aboard the HENDERSON on 02 July 1939 and was assigned to Company ''D'', Camp Holcomb. In August 1939, Company ''D'' was station in Shanghai, China. On 12 September 1939, Private Armstrong was transferred to Company ''A'', same station.
"US Marines served in China at various times and places from the days of the Boxer Rebellion of 1900. During the 1920's and 30's Marines were stationed at the American Embassy in Peking (Beijing). They were the Embassy Guard Detachment. In 1938 a unit was sent from Peking to Tientsin (Tianjin) to take over legation guard duty from the Army. A still smaller detachment was sent to Fort Holcomb at Chinwangtao (Qinhuangdao), about 140 miles northeast of Tientsin. This was the seaport through which all shipping for the embassy and the Marines had to travel. In the late 1930's the Embassy Guard Detachment in Peking consisted of about 300 men, the Legation Guard Detachment in Tientsin about 200 men, with about 20 men at Chinwangtao. (Spellings of Chinese cities are from that time period, not current usage.) In 1937 the Japanese invaded and conquered much of eastern China. While Japan controlled this area of China, various military units of other nations remained. The British, French, and Italians also kept forces in China." Source: North China Marines http://www.northchinamarines.com/
The 4th Marines were responsible for protecting the International Settlement in Shanghai. Their mission was to prevent fighting between Japanese and Chinese forces from spilling over into the International zone and protecting American interests. Source: U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls; A Brief History of the 4th Marines by James S. Santelli (Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. 1970).
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 12 September 1939 to 29 September 1941.
Company ''A'', First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Shanghai, China
Private/Private First Class/Corporal Paul E. Armstrong. On 12 September 1939 he joined from Company ''D", same station. From 09-22 October 1939 Paul was on temporary duty at Riverside Power Plant, Shanghai, China. On 02 December 1939 he was promoted to Private First Class. He was sick in the Regiment Hospital 29 December 1939 to 03 January 1940 and again from 25 February to 08 March 1940. PFC Armstrong was back on temporary duty at Riverside Power Plant from 29 April to 06 May 1940. On 26 June 1940 he qualified at marksman. On 06 September 1940 Paul was promoted to Corporal. CPL Armstrong was on temporary duty at Riverside Power Plant from 21-27 April 1941. On 29 September 1941 the 4th Marines in Shanghai embarked aboard the U.S.S. HENDERSON. They sailed on 30 September 1941 and arrived and disembarked at Manila, Philippine Islands on 04 October 1941.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 04 October 1941 to 20 December 1941
Company "A" First Separate Marine Battalion, Marine Barracks, Navy Yard, Cavite, Philippine Islands
Corporal Paul E. Armstrong. On 04 October 1941 he joined Company "A" First Separate Marine Battalion from Company ''A'', First Battalion, Fourth Marines, Shanghai, China. He was one of 700 Marines that was organized as a defense and infantry battalion. The First Separate Marine Battalion at Cavite provided antiaircraft and ground protection for all naval activities there. Corporal Armstrong was given temporary duty (guard duty) at the U.S. Naval Section Base Two, Mariveles, Bataan from 11-31 October 1941.
On the 14th of November, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt announced that "The Government of the United States has decided to withdraw the American Marine detachments now maintained ashore in China..." Clouds of war were quickly closing in on the China Marines as Japan and the United States edged ever closer to active hostilities. "one could sense the tenseness in the air," Lieutenant Colonel Curtis T. Beecher remembered, "There was a general feeling of uneasiness in the air." Source: From Shanghai To Corregidor: Marines In The Defense Of The Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in WWII Commemorative Series), page 3.
By the end of November 1941 the rest of the Fourth Marines in China were sent to the Philippine Islands.
Cavite
Three Marine-manned antiaircraft positions were located outside the Cavite Navy Yard: Battery A, across the bay at Canacao Golf Course on the tip of Sangley Point; Battery B at Carridad; and Battery C at Binacayan one mile south. Each was "armed with four 3-inch dual-purpose guns, 3-inch antiaircraft guns, or .50-caliber machine guns." Battery D was divided to support each position with five .50-caliber machine guns.
War with Japan broke out on 08 December 1941. "The news was stunning, perhaps paralyzingly unbelievable. The Japanese would not dare to attack the United States!" Ted R. Williams. But they did and on 10 December, 54 Japanese planes in three large "V" formations bombed the Cavite Navy Yard. The Japanese aircraft were flying at 21,000-25,000 feet but the Marine antiaircraft guns had a range of only 15,000 feet. First Lieutenant Carter Simpson at Binacayan later wrote, "We were left with a sense of fatality which was renewed every time our eyes fell on the Yard across the bay ... A toy pistol would have damaged their planes as much as we did." Battery A on Sangley Point ceased fire after the first wave passed untouched.... Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor: Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in World War II Commemorative Series), pages 7 and 8.
Approximately 1000 people were killed that day and the Navy Yard was left burning and in shambles. The first Marine to lose his life in defense of the Philippine Islands was Private First Class Thomas L. Wetherington, killed by bomb fragments. "As night neared, all personnel, except a small group of Marines and Manila firemen, were evacuated out of the Yard and transported by truck to a site on the road leading to Manila. After traveling 15 miles the trucks stopped and the battalion set up camp. The following morning Marine detachments were sent back to guard the abandoned Navy Yard." Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor: Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller (Marines in World War II Commemorative Series), pages 8 and 9.
Japanese forces began a full-scale invasion of Luzon on 22 December. In response, General Douglas MacArthur, ordered the withdrawal of the American and Filipino forces to the Bataan peninsula to be a part of the Bataan Defense Force. On 26 December the First Separate Marine Battalion were moved to Mariveles, Bataan. "As night fell on 26 December all personnel, equipment, and supplies were in place in the jungle near Mariveles." Over the next couple of days they were moved to Fort Mills, Corregidor Island. On 01 January 1942 the First Separate Marine Battalion was redesignated as 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines. Corporal Paul E. Armstrong was assigned to Company "K", Third Battalion, Fourth Marines.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 01 January 1942 to 18 February 1942
Company "K", Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Corregidor, Philippine Islands.
Corporal Paul E. Armstrong. Sometime in February/March (before April) 1942 he was transferred to Headquarters Company. The Marines were assigned to beach defenses on the tail of the island. Work began immediately on construction of beach defenses. He transferred to the regiment's Headquarters Company on 18 February 1942.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Rolls – 18 February 1942 to 06 May 1942
Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Corregidor, Philippine Islands.
Corporal/Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong. He had been promoted to Sergeant sometime in February/March 1942.
As the weeks passed, the 4th Marines and other units garrisoning Corregidor realized the hopelessness of the situation when it became clear that no relief force would be forthcoming. The 4th Marines' mission of defending the beaches gained new importance as the Japanese moved down the Bataan Peninsula. Source: A Brief History of the 4th Marines by James S. Santelli (Historical Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. 1970), page 24.
On 09 April 1942, Filipino and U.S. forces on Bataan were surrendered and the Japanese were able to mass artillery for an all-out attack of the Rock from just 2 miles away. A virtual rain of shells and bombs saturated the island during April, resulting in the destruction of most beach defenses.
April 29, Wednesday: The birthday of Emperor Hirohito. The Japanese raise the level of intensity of the aerial and artillery attacks a few notches. At 0730, the attack opens with the 260th air alarm of the campaign. Japanese bombers flew 83 sorties, dropping 106 tons of bombs. The air raids and the artillery fire continue without let up all day. By nightfall, Corregidor is in shambles, a pulverized, blasted chunk of rock lying under a blanket of dust and smoke. Fires rage out of control all over the island and smoke towers 3,000 feet in the air.
"It took no mental giant," wrote Wainwright, "to figure out, that the enemy was ready to come against Corregidor." On the night of 05 May 1942, Japanese forces landed on the island. Despite heavy resistance by the defenders and severe losses to the Japanese, the enemy was able to push forward. The situation grew more perilous and feeling that further resistance was useless and fearing a possible massacre of 1,000 sick and wounded personnel in Malinta Tunnel, General Wainwright decided to surrender. At 1200, 06 May 1942 the surrender went into effect.
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong was among those killed on 06 May 1942. No details of his final moments is known.
Sergeant Armstrong was initially listed as missing in action by the War Department.
TOMMY ARMSTRONG IS REPORTED MISSING; LAST ON CORREGIDOR ISLAND, IS BELIEF
The U.S. Marine commandant has notified the parents of Corp. Paul E. (Tommy) Armstrong the he is missing and will be "carried on records as missing pending further information. No report of his death has been received and he maybe a prisoner of war." The officer also noted that it may be several months before definite official information can be expected.
The parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Armstrong of Rogersville, are hopeful that their son is alive. He was landed in the Philippines last November from China and was on Corregidor when it capitulated a few weeks ago. He was a member of the Fourth Regiment of Marines.
Ironically enough a letter came from Tommy on Monday of this week. he told his parents in two or three sentences that he was well and feeling fine. The letter was dated March 8th. It reached here May 11th. It was censored and there was no way of telling form what place it was mailed. In the right hand corner of the envelope was the following: "Service mail, no postage available."
Tommy was home the last time about three years ago. He has been in the Marines about four years, serving most of that time in foreign service. He re-enlisted the latter part of last years, just before war broke out. He was 20 years old when he joined the Marines.
Everyone in Rogersville knows of Tommy's efforts to join the Marines. He was working at the Sweet Shoppe at the time he decided to become a member of that branch of service. He was underweight the first time he tried it. He came home and tried to put on a little weight and when he went to the recruiting office the second time he ate several bananas and passed the examination with about a pound to spare. He wanted to get into the service of his country. We believe there are few soldiers, sailors or marines who liked the service better than young Armstrong. He was a model soldier. He was in Shanghai when that place was a keg of powder balanced precariously on the brink of a volcano and the tales he could tell of his experience there would be thrilling. He was, it is believed, at the great Cavite Naval base in the Philippines when it was bombed by the Japs, and it is believed he fought on the bloody Bataan and finally on the fortress of Corregidor.
His many friends, along with his anxious parents, will eagerly await news of this intrepid soldier. Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 14 May 1942, page 1.
Sadly Tommy was already dead by the time that article was published.
Sergeant Armstrong was initially listed as missing in action.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll – 01 June 1942 to 02 July 1943
Prisoner of War and Missing Persons Detachment, HQ ,U.S. Marine Corps
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong. Missing in Action.
It wasn't until some affidavits of his death were given by fellow Marines while they were in Cabanatuan Prison in July 1943 that he was officially listed as killed in action on 06 May 1942.
Sgt. Floyd L. Tebo, USMC, 227505, swore on 26 July 1943, that he saw the dead bodies of the following men who died on the dates noted on Corregidor Island, P.I.:
PFC John W. Durham, Jr., USMC – 5-5-42
Sgt. Paul E. Armstrong, USMC – 5-6-42
Sgt. Edward V. Foresman, USMC – 5-6-42
QM Sgt. John E. Haskin, USMC – 5-6-42
PFC Kenneth L. Jerrett, USMC – 5-6-42
Source: Affidavit of death for Sgt. Paul E. Armstrong, USMC, killed on Corregidor. File 558-7 1942 Death Reports, shows cause and date of death and place of burial of some cases. Reports collected in Cabanatuan POW Camp; Philippine Archives Collection.
U.S. Marine Corps Muster Roll – 03 July 1943
Prisoner of War and Missing Persons Detachment, HQ ,U.S. Marine Corps
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong. See Footnote A.
Footnote A. 1-2, Missing In Action. 3-letter from International Red Cross indicates these men were killed in action on the sixth day of May 1942. Body not recovered. Go#20 does not apply. Char. Excellent"
Tommy Armstrong 'Killed in Action'
Word came to Mr. and Mrs. Wint S. Armstron on July 1st that their son, Paul E. (Tommy) had been killed in action in the Philippine Islands. Tommy, who was in the Marine Corps, had previously been reported missing.
The telegram from T. Holcomb, Lieut.-Gen. U.S. Marine Corps, read as follows:
Deeply regret to inform you, cablegram from International Red Cross Tokyo, Japan reports that according to American officer held prisoner of war your son Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong, U.S. Marine Corps, has been carried on the records of this headquarters as missing in action was killed in action in the Philippine Islands. Date not given. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Letter follows."
Mr. Armstrong still refuses to believe that his son is dead, and that there is a possibility that he is in a Jap prison camp. He was first notified that the boy was missing when the Philippines fell. Tommy was believed to have been on Corregidor when that bastion of U.S. defense went down before the overwhelming number of Japs.
Tommy joined the Marines several years ago. His weight at first prevented him from enlisting but he came home, ate lots of bananas and finally was accepted. He worked at the Sweet Shoppe at the time of his enlistment.
Mr. Armstrong said Tommy's enlistment ran out while he was in the Far East and that he re-enlisted. He had not been home in several years. Source: Rogersville Review (Rogersville, Tennessee), Thursday, 08 July 1943, page 1.
TENNESSEE, ALABAMA MARINES LISTED DEAD
WASHINGTON, July 5 (AP) – The Navy announced today five casualties. All are dead.
In addition, 17 names are listed whose status has changed from missing to dead.
This brings to 27,028 the total of Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard casualties reported to next of kin since Dec. 7, 1941. The grand total includes 8,185 dead, 4,734 wounded, 10,516, missing and 5,393 prisoners.
The casualties announced today include:
Tramble O. Armstrong, marine, dead; (reported missing June 1, 1942). Parents, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Armstrong, Brewton, Alabama.
Vernon E. Putnam, marine, dead; (reported missing June 1, 1942). Father, Rufus L. Putnam, Blountsville, Alabama.
Paul E. Armstrong, marine, dead; (reported missing June 1, 1942). Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Winfield S. Armstrong, Rogersville.
Source: Chattanooga Daily Times (Chattanooga, Tennessee), Tuesday, 06 July 1943, page 11.
Sgt. Armstrong Killed By Japs On Corregidor
FAMILY RECEIVES INFORMATION ABOUT MARINE MISSING SINCE THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS FELL
The fate of Sgt. Paul Armstrong, US Marine Corps, missing since the Philippine Islands fell to the Japs in the spring of 1942, has been cleared up, according to information received by his brother, R. F. Armstrong, manager of the Central Georgia Electric Membership Corporation.
In a letter from a fellow Marine it was established that Sgt. Armstrong was seen dead on Corregidor on May 6, 1942. Sgt. Donald Tervalis of Detroit is believed to have information about the last days on Corregidor and from him the family hopes to obtain more details.
Enlisting in the Marines in 1939 Sgt. Armstrong served one enlistment and joined up for further service in Shanghai, China. When the storm broke over the Philippines he was rushed to the scene of action and died gallantly fighting the Japanese.
Native of Rogersville, Tenn., Sgt. Armstrong was 28 years of age. He was the first man from his county lost in action, it is recalled by his brother here.
The family finds comfort in the fact that he was slain in combat while resisting the onslaught of the Japs and did not have to endure the horrors of the death march and the long years of imprisonment and starvation and cruel treatment. Source: Jackson Progress Argus (Jackson, Georgia), Thursday, 13 December 1945.
DATA ON REMAINS NOT YET RECOVERED OR IDENTIFIED
Sergeant Paul Edward Armstrong (S/N 261240), 4th Marines, 06 May 1942, KIA, details not known, Corregidor, Philippine Islands. He was described as 66½ inches tall (5' 5"), 122 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair; Creed - Methodist.
"Sergeant Armstrong was serving on Corregidor at the time of the capitulation of the United States Forces to the Japanese. A cablegram received 20 June 1943 through International Red Cross stated that Sergeant Armstrong was killed during the occupation of the Philippine Islands by the Japanese. After the surrender of the Japanese a roster prepared by administrative personnel of 4th Marines in the Cabanatuan Camp was received together with other recovered documents. This roster contains the following notation relative to Sergeant Armstrong: "KIA 5/6/42. Corr." This same information is contained in a statement from a former POW. No information has been received relative to disposition of remains." Source: Quartermaster Form 371, completed during the post-war search for Sergeant Armstrong's remains.
Sergeant Paul E. Armstrong's remains have never been found.
Sergeant Paul Edward Armstrong is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing – United States Marine Corps in the Manila American Cemetery.
He also has a cenotaph in McKinney Cemetery, Rogersville, Hawkins County, Tennessee.
"Marine casualties in the defense of the Philippines totaled 72 killed in action, 17 dead of wounds, and 167 wounded in action. Worse that the casualty levels caused by combat in the Philippines was the brutal treatment of the Marines in Japanese hands. Of the 1,487 members of the 4th Marines captured on Corregidor, 474 died in captivity." Source: From Shanghai to Corregidor Marines in the Defense of the Philippines by J. Michael Miller, page 44.
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