From a contemporary press report:
George A. Armstrong, 71, a retired Army colonel who later worked as a civilian administrator in defense-related positions, died of cancer October 1, 1998 at his home in Vienna, Virginia.
Colonel Armstrong was born in Ouray, Colorado. He joined the Army as an enlisted man in 1946 and later was commissioned an officer in the Ordnance Corps. During his military career, he graduated from the University of Maryland.
His overseas assignments included duty in Japan, Germany, Thailand, Italy, South Korea and Vietnam, where he was a battalion commander during the Southeast Asian war. He retired from the Army in 1977. His decorations included a Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
On retiring from military service, Colonel Armstrong settled in the Washington area and held civilian jobs with FMC, Computer Sciences and the Department of Energy. He retired again in 1984.
His wife, Rita Schwab Armstrong, died in 1983.
Survivors include two children, Karina Armstrong Roark of Franklin, Pa., and the Rev. Andreas Armstrong of Centreville; a sister; a half-brother; and four grandchildren.
ARMSTRONG, GEORGE A. (Age 71)
Of Vienna, VA, on October 1, 1998, at his residence. Beloved father of Andreas Armstrong and Karina Roark; brother of Marilyn Canniff and step-brother of John Armstrong. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Matthias and Marijke Armstrong, Erica and Daniel Roark. Services will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 2589 Chain Bridge Rd., Vienna, VA on Monday, October 5 at 11 a.m. Interment Arlington National Cemetery on October 9 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions may be made to Metro DC Synod of ELCA. Designate Mission Development Trust in memory of George A. Armstrong, 224 E. Capitol St., Washington, DC 20003.
Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.
Reviewed by: Michael Howard