THE WALL OF FACES

Kenneth Daniel Armstrong
Kenneth Daniel Armstrong was born on September 5,
1948, to Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Armstrong whose family
also included sons David and Rodney and a daughter Gayle.
Danny, as family and friends knew him, grew up in Santa
Cruz and attended Branciforte Elementary School.
After completing Branciforte Junior High School, he
enrolled in Soquel High School near his parents’ home. In
high school he was popular with the girls who remember
him as a quiet, shy and handsome boy with a smile that
seemed to have a giggle to it. During his high school years
and following graduation in 1967, he worked for the John
Bull Motor Company, the DISCO service station and a
service station owned by his parents.
In September 1967, Armstrong enlisted in the US Army
and received basic and engineer individual training. In February
1968, he was assigned to A Company, 92nd Engineer
Battalion, 159th Engineer Group, of the 20th Engineer
Brigade stationed at Long Binh, Vietnam. Armstrong
arrived in Vietnam on February 13, 1968, and shortly thereafter
was promoted to corporal. His abilities were soon recognized
and he became his company commander’s driver
and radio operator. Captain Roy Williams later recalled,
“He [Armstrong] was a quiet, and unassuming young man,
and very good at his job.”
On July 6, 1968, Corporal Kenneth Daniel Armstrong
dropped Captain Williams off at his office and was driving
on a courier assignment along the main supply route to
Saigon when he was forced to swerve to avoid a cyclist. In
the process he collided with an oncoming vehicle resulting
in a crash that threw him from his vehicle causing extensive
injuries. During his recovery period, Armstrong contracted
pneumonia that hastened his death on July 11, 1968. His
body was returned home and he was buried at Oakwood
Memorial Park
. Source
Remembering our Own
The Santa Cruz County Military Roll of Honor 1861-2010
By Robert L Nelson
The Museum of Art & History @ The McPherson Center
2010
Page 225

Dear CPL Kenneth Daniel Armstrong, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Ken is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Santa Cruz, CA.

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die

hi Danny its been 34 years today and today is my 44th birthday. i still remember your smile that seemed to have a giggle to it. Anyone who served with Danny please feel free to contact me. rest in peace till we meet again.