PRIVATE FIRST CLASS GENE L. ARMSTRONG, Sr., Infantry 8th Armored Division, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, as a rifleman, 58th Armored Infantry Battalion, on 29 March 1945, in Germany. When a hand grenade in the canteen pouch on the belt of another soldier was accidentally activated while they were riding in a half track with 7 other men, Private First Class Armstrong grasped it in an effort to either throw it or absorb as much of the blast as possible. He had been in a position from which he could have leaped to safety had he chosen to do so but this courageous and fearless soldier ignored the opportunity and the grenade exploded in his left hand. Private First Class Armstrong sustained the loss of his entire left hand and also received severe body wounds. His actions in protecting his comrades, his initiative and coolheadedness reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces.

Mr. Armstrong joined the Legion of Valor in 1987 as a life member and resided in Pennsylvania.