the inherent dangers of his occupation, the family never suggested that that he should
abandon his career, and they were always proud of his scientific accomplishments.
Dr. Armstrong shared with his wife and daughter some of his experiences at work
and observations about his colleagues. Recollections about the same event, however,
differ among participants in the event. As an example, Dr. Robert J. Huebner (1)
described in laudatory terms his affection for Armstrong and the beneficial manner with
which he was introduced to his work experience at the Division of Infectious Diseases in
- By contrast, Armstrong at the time, according to his daughter (2), said at the dinner
table, “We have just brought on a cocky, new young fellow into the laboratory. We will
have to teach him a thing or two.” Gradually, though, the relationship between Huebner
and Armstrong blossomed into one of deep affection, admiration and professional
intimacy as each grew to recognize their mutual intellectual and research talents.
Armstrong always remained a supportive alumnus of his college, Mount Union
College of Alliance, Ohio. The college also maintained a keen interest in his increasingly
impressive career. On March 20, 1933, W. H. McMaster, President of Mount Union
College and a personal friend, sent Armstrong a letter (3) addressed to “Dear Dr.
Charles” stating that the faculty would like the privilege of recommending him to the
trustees for the awarding of an honorary degree at the next Commencement which was to
be held on Tuesday June 6, 1933. President McMaster also asked Armstrong for his
preference of the type of degree to be conferred: Doctor of Science (D. Sc.), Doctor of
Philosophy (Ph. D.), or Doctor of Public Health (D. P. H.). Armstrong preferred the
Doctor of Science Degree. In a reply on March 28 (4) President McMaster stated that the
degree would be Doctor of Science and that the trustees would endorse it unanimously at