The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Seaman First Class Arthur A. Arnold, United States Coast Guard, for conspicuous gallantry in action as coxswain of a landing boat in the assault on the island of Sicily, on 10 July 1943. Seaman First Class Arnold landed his boat carrying assault troops at the assigned beach near Gela, Sicily. Upon beaching, heavy enemy machine gun fire was directed into the boat, killing several of the embarked troops and seriously opposing their landing. When return fire from the boat proved ineffective, Seaman First Class Arnold courageously, accurately, and with complete disregard for his own safety threw two hand grenades in the direction of the enemy machine gun nests silencing the battery and permitting the assault troops to continue their advance into enemy occupied territory. The exceptional bravery, prompt and decisive action and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Seaman First Class Arnold were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.