Gerry Hubert Armstrong was born in 1946 in Covina, California. Being an “Army Brat," he had known thirteen different homes by the time he entered the Army. Gerry was a quiet, easy-going boy who participated in many activities. He played football until he was injured in his junior year in high school. Always the lightest man on the line, he made up for his size with his determination. Later on in high school Gerry was on the wrestling team, once again the lightest man in the unlimited class—he seemed to enjoy the challenge of overcoming his difference in size with his quickness and his brain. An Eagle Scout, he earned the God and Country Award. Gerry always was a source of honor and pride to his family. His sister and brothers always looked to him for an example and help, and he never failed them.

Gerry was sworn into the United States Army Reserve at the age of nineteen and went to Fort Belvoir, where he prepared for West Point. A year later he entered West Point with the Class of 1969. During much of his stay at the Academy Gerry was on the Dean's List. Upon graduation Gerry married the lovely Linda Behms and departed on their honeymoon. When they returned, Gerry indicated that he was not feeling well.

Parents of “Army Brats,” I think, always wonder if they have pressured their son into West Point. We had this fear; but when Gerry found that he had been stricken with incurable cancer and was to be retired medically, his plea was “What will I do?” We told him of all the possibilities: school, teaching, business, etc. His answer was, “But all I want to be is be a soldier.” This was not to be, for Gerry died before he could give one day of active duty to his country as an officer. In his few years of life he brought much pleasure and happiness to his wife, his family, and his friends. Gerry showed every sign of bravery—not on the battlefield of his choosing, but from a bed. He never wavered in his faith and strength. He won his battle on the 31st of December 1969, when he passed away quickly and quietly with peace in his mind and heart.

—His Family