This AI-generated image is representative of the uniforms issued at the time.

Cecil P. Armstrong

Second Lieutenant Cecil Perkins Armstrong, age 25, was a devoted citizen-soldier whose life of patriotic service was tragically cut short at the dawn of America’s involvement in World War I. Born on July 30, 1892, in Christian County, Kentucky, Armstrong was the eldest son of Elijah Harrison Armstrong, Jr. and Alice Perkins Armstrong. He was raised in Hopkinsville alongside his brother Garnett and sisters Erma and Cinderella. Known for his towering height—standing six feet four inches tall—and athletic prowess, Armstrong was a standout student and football player at Hopkinsville High School. His early years were marked by discipline, camaraderie, and a sense of civic responsibility that would define his life and military career.

Armstrong first attempted to enlist in the Kentucky National Guard in August 1909 at the age of 17, joining Company D, 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment. However, he was honorably discharged just two months later in October for being underage. Undeterred, he reenlisted in August 1912, again joining Company D, which was part of the storied 3rd Kentucky Infantry Regiment. His dedication and leadership potential quickly earned him advancement through the ranks. By July 25, 1916, he was promoted from First Sergeant to Second Lieutenant by Special Orders 121, Paragraph 3—a testament to his commitment and the respect he commanded among his peers.

As the United States prepared for entry into World War I, Armstrong’s unit was mustered into federal service and designated as Company D, 161st Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army, as part of the broader reorganization of the National Guard. Though he would not see combat, Armstrong’s service during this transformative period helped shape the Guard’s readiness for overseas deployment. He was widely admired for his commanding presence, cheerful demeanor, and steadfast patriotism. Described as genial and affable, with a courteous greeting for all, Armstrong earned a reputation as one of the most gallant and well-respected young officers in the Kentucky Guard.

On September 16, 1917, Armstrong was stricken with appendicitis while stationed in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky. He underwent emergency surgery but succumbed to complications four days later on September 20, 1917. His father and brother were at his bedside when he passed. The loss of Lieutenant Armstrong reverberated throughout his community. Funeral services were held in Lexington with full military honors, and his body was transported to Hopkinsville for burial at Riverside Cemetery. Local businesses closed in his honor, and a large crowd of mourners attended the solemn procession. He was laid to rest in his uniform, wrapped in the American flag, symbolizing the ideals he lived—and died—upholding.

In 1934, the Hopkinsville Women’s Club honored Armstrong and 26 other local men who perished during World War I by constructing “Memorial Drive,” a paved pathway encircling individual markers for each fallen soldier within Riverside Cemetery. At the center of the drive stands a commemorative stone that pays tribute to their sacrifice. Second Lieutenant Armstrong’s name is among those enshrined there and is also etched into the Kentucky National Guard Memorial in Frankfort, Panel 1, Column 1, Line 1—fittingly placed at the forefront of Kentucky’s roll of honor.

Though his life ended before he could set foot on foreign soil in the Great War, Cecil Perkins Armstrong’s dedication, leadership, and sacrifice embody the enduring spirit of the citizen-soldier. His legacy lives on as a symbol of devotion to duty and selfless service to both Commonwealth and country.