Charles William “Bill” Armstrong grew up on his father’s dairy farm, enlisted in the United States Air Force, progressed from an airman basic, to aviation cadet, and received an officer’s commission and pilot rating in 1954. Serving for 23 years (1952-1975), he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Flying primarily jet fighter aircraft he gained extensive experience in the T-33, F-84E/G, F-86F, F100C/D/F, and the T-38A.
A recap of his military experiences were chronicled in a small book authored in 2000, “Into the Wild Blue Yonder Gently”. With co-author Dr. Robert K. Poling, Lt. Col. Armstrong researched and published, Wings over Cumberland – An Aviation History. This 400 page book, with multiple photographs, covers eight decades of local aviation beginning in the 1920’s.
Following Air Force retirement, he continued to do local contract flying out of the Cumberland area. He has received the Federal Aviation Administration’s Wright Brother’s Master Pilot Award for over 50 years of safe flight. Serving two tours as manager of the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport, he oversaw a multitude of changes in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Owning his own aircraft since 1980, he has maintained active flight activities for 57 years and counting. Note: Mark Armstrong, the author’s son, was instrumental in proof reading this narrative and offering text adjustments.
Wings Over Cumberland 