Frank A. Armstrong
US Air Force general / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Frank Alton Armstrong Jr. (May 24, 1902[1] – August 20, 1969) was a lieutenant general of the United States Air Force. As a brigadier general in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, he was the inspiration for the main character in the novel and subsequent film, Twelve O'Clock High. After the war, he held a variety of senior leadership positions prior to and following the establishment of the USAF as an independent service in 1947. Promoted to major general in 1950, he advanced to lieutenant general in 1956 and retired at that rank in 1961.
Frank Alton Armstrong Jr. | |
---|---|
Birth name | Frank Alton Armstrong Jr. |
Nickname(s) | "Army" |
Born | (1902-05-24)May 24, 1902 Hamilton, North Carolina |
Died | August 20, 1969(1969-08-20) (aged 67) |
Buried | |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/ | United States Air Force |
Years of service | 1928–1961 |
Rank | Lieutenant general |
Commands held | |
Battles/wars | World War II Cold War |
Awards | |
Spouse(s) | Vernelle Lloyd Hudson |
Armstrong commanded two B-17 Flying Fortress groups and a wing each of B-17 and B-29 Superfortresses in combat operations against both Germany and Japan. He personally led the first USAAF strategic bombing attack from England in August 1942, and the last strategic raid on Japan three years later. He also led the first attack by the USAAF against a target in Germany.