William M. Armstrong, Military Historian

William M. Armstrong, Military Historian I am a professional public historian and author of the books Maryland in World War I, Marine Air Group 25 and SCAT, and Baltimore in World War II.

I post about Maryland and U.S. military history. I, Marine Air Group 25 and SCAT, and Baltimore in World War II.

08/27/2026

Sometimes the ability to read old cursive comes in handy at work, too!

The first Naval Aviator to receive the Medal of Honor was a Baltimorean:
07/01/2026

The first Naval Aviator to receive the Medal of Honor was a Baltimorean:

After receiving their initial flight training in the United States, the majority of Naval Aviators who deployed overseas during World War I received advanced training on combat-type aircraft with Allied air forces and served in their ranks. They included this group of aviators who flew with Italian naval forces from NAS Porto Corsini, Italy. Seated in the middle of the front row in this photograph is ENS Charles H. Hammann, who as a Landsman for Quartermaster on August 21, 1918 launched from Porto Corsini in a Macchi M-5 single-seat flying boat to participate in a raid against Pola Harbor, Austria. Along with his fellow aviators, after dropping his ordnance Hammann engaged in air-to-air combat against Austrian aircraft. During the air battle, Ensign Pete Parker was shot down, making a forced landing just five miles outside the harbor entrance. Hammann made a landing near Parker's aircraft, took him aboard despite the threat of attack by Austrian aircraft, and flew him to safety. For his heroism, Hammann received the Medal of Honor. His name is familiar from the destroyer named after him, which was sunk while rendering assistance alongside USS Yorktown (CV 5) at the Battle of Midway in June 1942.

The second photo (at lower right) shows 1st Lt. Evelyn Ordway’s flight jacket. She was a nurse of the 801st MAETS, part...
06/08/2026

The second photo (at lower right) shows 1st Lt. Evelyn Ordway’s flight jacket. She was a nurse of the 801st MAETS, part of S**T. The 801st flew aboard both USAAF C-47s and Marine Corps R4Ds.

Please include them in your remembrances today:
05/25/2026

Please include them in your remembrances today:

This is a list of all known members of Marine Air Group 25 and the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command who gave their lives during World War II or Korean War era service. Updated as new information becomes available.

I am extremely proud to be part of this awesome team!
05/12/2026

I am extremely proud to be part of this awesome team!

Since 2006, TRG has provided trusted historical research and investigative services to clients across the country. What began as a two-person shop has grown into a team known for its thorough research and analysis, dependability, and results.

We’re grateful to our clients, partners, and team members—past and present—who have made this milestone possible. Your trust and dedication continue to drive our work every day.

Here’s to 20 years of excellence, and to the work ahead.

In honor of the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps: R4D-1 "64" (probably BuNo 05064) of Marine Aircraft Group 25, S...
11/11/2025

In honor of the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps: R4D-1 "64" (probably BuNo 05064) of Marine Aircraft Group 25, SOPAC Combat Air Transport Command, Pallikulo (Bomber 1) Airfield, Espiritu Santo, ca. May 1943. This was an aeromedical flight. (NARA photo)

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