Jack R. Armstrong served in the U.S. Army.
Gunfire
Location: Illinois
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Offender: Shot and killed
Sergeant Jack Armstrong was shot and killed while patrolling the company's rail yards at 14th Street and Walnut Avenue in East St. Louis, Illinois, at approximately 2:00 pm.
He was attacked by four men who were on a crime spree following the murder of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Sergeant Armstrong was transported to St. Mary's Hospital after the shooting where he succumbed to his wounds two hours later. The subjects stole his service revolver and used it two months later to murder Patrolman Henry Peeler of the Chicago Police Department.
Sergeant Armstrong was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII where he received three Overseas Service Bars, four Bronze Stars, the American Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He had served with the Southern Railroad Police Department for 22 years.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sergeant Armstrong gave the Southern Railway Police Department 22 years.
Thank you for your service to the Washington community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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