Court of Honor, Armstrong Flooring Plant, Dillerville Road entrance. World War II memorial, left side. Photograph by the author.
The Armstrong Archive of Armstrong World Industries contains a vast array of documents, photographs, and objects that document the history of the company from its founding in 1860 to the present. Following the end of World War I and again after World War II, the company erected plaques at various locations honoring those who served as well as those who died in both wars. Plaques at the Lancaster Floor Plant location along West Liberty Street formed the nucleus of a Court of Honor that grew to include monuments in 1986 to honor Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. In 2004, benches honoring those who have served and continue to serve joined the memorial. The Court of Honor was moved from its original location to its present location off Dillerville Road in 2005.
Part I of this two-part series highlighted efforts by Armstrong to honor those who served and gave their lives in World War I. Part II will highlight efforts to honor those who served and gave their lives in World War II.
Lancaster Floor Plant Roll of Honor
World War II memorial plaque, open book type on granite base with names inscribed on multiple pages, Court of Honor, Armstrong Floor Plant, Dillerville Road entrance. Photograph by the author. World War II memorial plaque with closed cover, Court of Honor, Armstrong Floor Plant, Dillerville Road entrance. Photograph by the author. The Floor Plant plaque bearing the names of 2,765 individuals, including 82 Honored Dead who died during the war, was dedicated on March 31, 1949. Photograph by the author.
Lancaster Closure Plant Roll of Honor
World War II memorial plaque, open book type with names inscribed on multiple pages, former Closure Plant Building, New Holland Avenue. Photograph by the author.World War II memorial plaque with closed cover, mounted on interior wall, former Closure Plant Building. Photograph by the author. Dedication of the Closure Plant plaque bearing the names of 262 individuals, including one who died during the war, took place on April 1, 1949. Photo: LancasterHistory, Armstrong Archive.
Lancaster General Office and Sales Division Roll of Honor
World War II memorial plaque, open book type with names inscribed on multiple pages, originally located inside the general office, now housed in the Armstrong Archive. Photograph by the author. Dedication of the General Office plaque bearing the names of 408 individuals, including ten who died during the war, took place on March 31, 1949. Photograph by the author.
Armstrong General Manufacturing Rolls of Honor
The plaque from the Pittsburgh Plant includes the names of 15 individuals who died during the war. It is now housed in the Armstrong Archive. Photograph by the author. All that remains of this plaque is a photograph that appeared in the January 1949 issue of The Armstrong Reporter. The plaque bears the names of 54 individuals, including four who died during the war. Photo: Lancaster History, Armstrong Archive.
According to September 1945 issue of The Armstrong Reporter, 119 men lost their lives during World War II. Subsequent issues of the publication eventually brought that number to a total of 126. Click on the pages below for a larger image of the Armstrong At War Roll of Honor. As previously mentioned in Part I of this blog, please keep these men and all those who have lost their lives in defense of our country in your thoughts this Memorial Day weekend.
Roll of Honor, Page 1. LancasterHistory, Armstrong Archive. Roll of Honor, Page 2. LancasterHistory, Armstrong Archive. Roll of Honor, Page 3. LancasterHistory, Armstrong Archive.
Roll of Honor, Page 4. LancasterHistory, Armstrong Archive. Roll of Honor, Page 5. LancasterHistory, Armstrong Archive. Roll of Honor, Page 6. LancasterHistory, Armstrong Archive. Roll of Honor, Addendum. LancasterHistory, Armstrong Archive.
