William Armstrong (pilot) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Flight Officer
William Armstrong
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William Armstrong in 1944
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| Birth name | William Pickney Armstrong |
| Nickname(s) | Will |
| Born | October 30, 1924 Providence, Rhode Island, US |
| Died | April 1, 1945 (aged 20) Austria |
| Buried |
Grace Church Cemetery in Providence
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Force |
| Years of service | 1944–1945 |
| Rank | Flight Officer |
| Unit | 332nd Fighter Group |
| Awards |
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Flight Officer William Armstrong was a brave American pilot. He was born on October 30, 1924, and sadly passed away on April 1, 1945. William was part of a famous group of African-American pilots during World War II. They were known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
His plane was shot down on Easter Sunday in 1945 over Austria. In 2018, William Armstrong was honored. He was added to the Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame.
Contents
William Armstrong: A Hero of the Skies
Joining the Tuskegee Airmen
William Armstrong finished his training at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. This happened on September 8, 1944. After his training, he joined the 301st Fighter Squadron. This squadron was part of the 332nd Fighter Group. They were based in Ramitelli, Italy.
Flying Missions in World War II
William flew many important missions. His job was to protect bombers. These bombers were flying to targets in areas controlled by Nazi Germany. The Tuskegee Airmen were known for their skill. They were also famous for their planes, which had distinctive red tails.
A Brave Fight in the Sky
On Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945, William was on a mission. He was with other Tuskegee Airmen. They were escorting bombers back to their base. Suddenly, German fighter planes attacked them. The Tuskegee Airmen bravely fought back.
His Final Mission
During the intense air battle, William Armstrong's plane was hit. His plane was one of two American planes shot down that day. Sadly, his body was not found at that time. The Tuskegee Airmen managed to shoot down 12 German planes.
Finding a Hero's Resting Place
After World War II ended, William's stepfather kept asking the military to search for him. Years later, in 1950, his remains were found. He had been buried in a grave in Austria. His body was then flown back home to Rhode Island. He was laid to rest in the Grace Church Cemetery in Providence.
Awards and Honors
William Armstrong received several important awards for his service. These awards recognized his bravery and sacrifice.
- Air Medal
- Purple Heart Medal
- Congressional Gold Medal (2007) (given after his death)
- Presidential Unit Citation
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
Early Life and Education
William Armstrong was born in Washington D.C. Later, he moved to Providence, Rhode Island. He lived there with his mother, Evelyn, and his sister, also named Evelyn. His grandfather also lived in Providence. His mother later married Nelson Venter. William went to Central High School and graduated in 1943. He then attended the Tuskegee Institute in 1944.
Remembering William Armstrong
The city of Providence, Rhode Island, has a special memorial for William Armstrong. It is located at the intersection of Dodge and Cranston streets. This memorial helps everyone remember his courage and sacrifice.
See Also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
