Charles William Armstrong

Charles William “Bill” Armstrong, 93, Rawlings, MD, died on September 6, 2023, at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Born April 4, 1930 in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Clement R. Armstrong and Hazel (Adams) Armstrong.

Mr. Armstrong was a 23-year veteran of the United States Air Force, retiring in 1975 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A lifelong pilot, his military flying career was in high performance jet fighters, with extensive flight time in T-33, F-84, F-86, F-100, and T-38 aircraft. His overseas assignments were Korea, United Kingdom, and Vietnam. In Korea in 1955, while on a reaction mission along the DMZ, his F-86 had a catastrophic engine failure dictating an ejection from the aircraft. This life saving measure permitted his membership in the "Caterpillar Club," or those who have made a necessary silk parachute descent to earth.

Lt. Colonel Armstrong's fourteen military awards and decorations are led by the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one OLC, and the Air Force Longevity Award with 4 OLC.

Following Air Force service, Mr. Armstrong continued as an active pilot performing contract flying services for West Virginia's Department of Agriculture, as well as local charter flight services. Later he served as the Manager of the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport during a time when many drastic changes occurred. After retirement from that position, he was again tasked to fulfill the position on an interim basis. As an aircraft owner he maintained his flying interests throughout his life.

The Federal Aviation Administration recognizes those aviators who have compiled at least 50 years of continuous accident-free flying. Mr. Armstrong received the Wright Brothers "Master Pilot" Award in recognition of his lifelong piloting exploits. The award is given by the FAA for those pilots who have followed and continue to observe precautionary and safe flight operations.

A 1948 graduate of Allegany High School, Mr. Armstrong, following military service, graduated from Allegany Community College attaining a Business Administration degree, and later attended Frostburg State University. He was a member of the Rawlings United Methodist Church. Mr. Armstrong was a life member of both the Air Force Association, the Military Officers Association of America, and a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He maintained membership in the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. As an active sportsman, Mr. Armstrong greatly enjoyed the outdoors, pursuing hunting and fishing activities.

A book authored by Lt. Colonel Armstrong in 2000, Into the Wild Blue Yonder Gently, detailed the impact of aviation on his life. Chronicled in this manuscript was his early life as a farm hand, enlistment in the Air Force, progression through the ranks from enlisted status to an Officer's Commission, life as an Aviation Cadet, and long service as a fighter pilot and flight instructor in a wide variety of military assignments. He describes the heartfelt loss of compatriots and other episodes during his lifetime. Along with Dr. Bob Poling, in 2002, he co-authored Wings Over Cumberland, a lengthy history of the impact of aviation on our local area.

His beloved wife of 61 years, Emma Lee (Radcliffe) Armstrong, passed away in May 2018.

Lt. Colonel Armstrong is survived by two sons, Dean K. Armstrong, Keyser, WV and Mark D. Armstrong, Rawlings, MD. The only sibling survivor is a sister, Lucille (Armstrong) Stair. Bill Armstrong had six brothers, all deceased: John Ritchie, Robert Neil, Lt. Col. Clement Harold - US Air Force, James Morgan – Flight Officer US Army Air Corp, Glenn Louis, and Brownlee, mostly from the McMullen Highway area near Rawlings, MD.

Of the eight Armstrong offspring, five served in the military, four in the Air Force and one in the Army. Three were pilots, and two made a career in the Air Force.

Friends will be received at the Adams Family Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 12 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

A funeral Service will be conducted at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 13 at 11:00 A.M.

Interment will be at the Veterans Cemetery Section at Restlawn Memorial Gardens following the service.