His experiences with the 97th and 306th groups became the basis of Sy Bartlett and Beirne Lay Jr.'s novel and film Twelve O'Clock High. While in command of the 306th, Armstrong led the Eighth Air Force on its first mission to attack a target in Germany on January 27, 1943.
The experiences of General Armstrong with the 97th and 306th groups served as the inspiration for Sy Bartlett and Beirne Lay Jr.'s novel and film "Twelve O'Clock High."  His command of the 306th led to the Eighth Air Force's first mission to Germany on January 27, 1943.