scaupus
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Renowned father & son WW2 combat generals' heirlooms from sons/grandsons estate
A friend and I picked up some items from the estate of Dewitt "Dewey" Armstrong iv, Sunday the 23rd. His widow, Pia was selling them at their home, which is for sale. They lived a few blocks from my Dad's house, both houses being in the "Roads" section of Miami.
Dewey, who was one of the founding directors of the community organizing group, ACORN, was the son of Lt. Gen. Dewitt Clinton Armstrong III, and the grandson of Brig. Gen. Clare H. Armstrong. Dewitt was a tank Batallion commander in Europe WW2, as a Lt. Col. and then as a Brigadier. His father Clare was commander of the highly secretive Antwerp X, the 22,000 man AAA defense force defending the city and port of Antwerp against the Nazi's buzz bombs.
Antwerp X shot down about 8000 buzz bombs, ending the campaign with an overall shoot-down rate of over 70%. Fighters shot down about 2000. And about 2000 got through, along with something over 200 ballistic V-1's, against which there was no defense, resulting in over 5000 deaths. The port remained operational at all times. Early on, the AAA shot down more than a few friendly fighters as they closed on the V-1's, but they resolved that problem by establishing a deadline around the city.
My best purchases, I think, were two books, both inscribed to Dewey by his father Gen Dewitt Armstrong III, and signed with his full signature. One of the inscriptions expresses a strong sentiment and advice for his son, and quotes a famous Scotsman, the quote referencing the "Strong Arm" that is, in fact, the family surname. One book treats of Scottish history, and the other of the Armstrong family history.
My friend got perhaps the most interesting items. Two steins, surmounted by molded pewter lids including a Sherman tank (or tank destroyer? Mobile gun?) on each lid. They are handpainted, including the Lt. Col Dewey C. Armstrong name on each one. I'm afraid I only have some pretty poor fotos of the steins right now, but if anyone is interested, I will be able in the future to post more photos. I'm trying to get a picture of all our items together, and maybe one of Pia with a few of our items, this weekend.
One of the items I bought was a large bronze medallion struck in Belgium, with Gen Clare Armstrong's profile, the legend around the rim stating his title, name and "Antwerp X." I also secured an original etching inscribed by the artist to General Clare Armstrong. In addition, I got a numbered lithograph of an etching by a Belgian artist, Lamgaskin, who died in 1947. I'm pretty certain that must have been General Clare's also.
Another item perhaps generic, was a large aluminum charger or tray, with the Armstrong name in the center. I also got 3 Indian or Mexican blankets, and an excellent, true Art Deco hand mirror, that actually consists of art deco design elements.
A friend and I picked up some items from the estate of Dewitt "Dewey" Armstrong iv, Sunday the 23rd. His widow, Pia was selling them at their home, which is for sale. They lived a few blocks from my Dad's house, both houses being in the "Roads" section of Miami.
Dewey, who was one of the founding directors of the community organizing group, ACORN, was the son of Lt. Gen. Dewitt Clinton Armstrong III, and the grandson of Brig. Gen. Clare H. Armstrong. Dewitt was a tank Batallion commander in Europe WW2, as a Lt. Col. and then as a Brigadier. His father Clare was commander of the highly secretive Antwerp X, the 22,000 man AAA defense force defending the city and port of Antwerp against the Nazi's buzz bombs.
Antwerp X shot down about 8000 buzz bombs, ending the campaign with an overall shoot-down rate of over 70%. Fighters shot down about 2000. And about 2000 got through, along with something over 200 ballistic V-1's, against which there was no defense, resulting in over 5000 deaths. The port remained operational at all times. Early on, the AAA shot down more than a few friendly fighters as they closed on the V-1's, but they resolved that problem by establishing a deadline around the city.
My best purchases, I think, were two books, both inscribed to Dewey by his father Gen Dewitt Armstrong III, and signed with his full signature. One of the inscriptions expresses a strong sentiment and advice for his son, and quotes a famous Scotsman, the quote referencing the "Strong Arm" that is, in fact, the family surname. One book treats of Scottish history, and the other of the Armstrong family history.
My friend got perhaps the most interesting items. Two steins, surmounted by molded pewter lids including a Sherman tank (or tank destroyer? Mobile gun?) on each lid. They are handpainted, including the Lt. Col Dewey C. Armstrong name on each one. I'm afraid I only have some pretty poor fotos of the steins right now, but if anyone is interested, I will be able in the future to post more photos. I'm trying to get a picture of all our items together, and maybe one of Pia with a few of our items, this weekend.
One of the items I bought was a large bronze medallion struck in Belgium, with Gen Clare Armstrong's profile, the legend around the rim stating his title, name and "Antwerp X." I also secured an original etching inscribed by the artist to General Clare Armstrong. In addition, I got a numbered lithograph of an etching by a Belgian artist, Lamgaskin, who died in 1947. I'm pretty certain that must have been General Clare's also.
Another item perhaps generic, was a large aluminum charger or tray, with the Armstrong name in the center. I also got 3 Indian or Mexican blankets, and an excellent, true Art Deco hand mirror, that actually consists of art deco design elements.
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