Eugene Armstrong to be honored in 2025 Gold Star Hall ceremony

The following is an edited excerpt of the life narrative that will be read during the 2025 Gold Star Hall Ceremony. 

Eugene Mortimer Armstrong was born May 19, 1919, in Jefferson, the son of Dr. William and Ruth Armstrong. He spent most of his early childhood on a farm and the family moved to Ames in 1928, when he was 9.

In high school, he was an active student and member of Ames High School’s Debate Club, Hi-Y Club, National Forensic League, National Thespian Society, Drama Club, National Honors Society, the school newspaper and Quill and Scroll, an international honor society for high school journalists. His yearbook from his senior year said he was known as a “soap box orator,” and his favorite pastime was supposedly cleaning dog kennels. 

After graduation in 1936, he began his undergraduate studies at Iowa State. 

An active Cyclone

During his time on campus, Armstrong was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Varsity 1 Athletics Club, Porpoise Club, the rifle team and worked in advertising with the student newspaper.

His athleticism was evident from his time on the swim team – where he was known as “Gene.” He was undefeated in the “Big Six” backstroke for three seasons and frequently a competition champion. 

After receiving a bachelor’s of science degree in history in 1940, he began working on his graduate degree at Iowa State when he enlisted in the military on May 20, 1941. 

Armstrong reported for active duty in January 1942 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and was assigned to the 68th Armored Field Artillery Battalion in the 1st Armored Division. He specialized in field artillery and was promoted to second lieutenant, traveling overseas with the group in late 1942, when he participated in the Tunisian campaign in North Africa and was promoted to first lieutenant. 

His battalion traveled around the Mediterranean throughout 1943, arriving in Italy in January 1944, when his battalion joined the Battle of Anzio, also known as the Allied Operation Shingle. It was a significant – but costly – Allied victory of World War II. 

The ultimate sacrifice

The battle began in late January, with Allied forces arriving at the Anzio beachhead, just south of Rome. The goal of the operation was to cut German lines of communication in southern Italy, forcing them to retreat north. 

Despite persistent German attacks, the Allied forces were able to hold the beachhead and ultimately push the enemy out of Italy. 
The battle officially ended June 4, with the liberation of Rome. Armstrong was a pilot on an observation plane for field artillery for the duration of his time at Anzio. While flying over the beachhead in late March, his plane was shot down and he was pronounced dead onsite at 25 years old.

His legacy continues

Armstrong was posthumously awarded the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight by performing 35 field artillery observation sorties in Italy from January-March 1944. Two years later, his brother, William, named his first child after Eugene. This nephew went on to serve in the Army during the Vietnam War.

Armstrong had been temporarily laid to rest in an overseas American cemetery and was brought home to Greene County in 1948. A year prior, unbeknownst to the family, the barracks of the Third Reconnaissance Squadron of the 12th Cavalry and Third Armored Division in Büdingen, Germany, were named in his honor.

His mother visited these barracks in 1965. 

“Here in the Midwest,” she said, “we forget – even I, who lost a son – that a career in the Army can be such a proud thing.”

After her visit, an Iowa flag was sent to the barracks to be hung in the mess hall. After over 60 years of use, the Armstrong Barracks were handed to the German government in 2007 and today serves as a reception facility for refugees.

“I hope the name Armstrong will become a symbol for all the people who died for their country,” she said.