Son of Clarence Henry and Maud Irene Seward Armstrong. Grew up on a farm northeast of Nelson, Nebraska and attended Blaine Center school and graduated Nelson high school in 1938. Moved with parents to Colorado in 1939 and entered service on March 22, 1942. Served in World War II in Hawaii from July 1942 to October 1945. Served 18 months in Germany until october 1948. Worked as plumber's apprentice until called back to service in October 1950. Member 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.