Navy Federal Credit Union

Henry Arnold graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1950. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Regiment:

    Attack Carrier Air Wing 11

    Division:

    U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)

    Action Date:

    May 16, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Henry Duff Arnold (NSN: 0-532620), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of jet aircraft while serving as Commander, Attack Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN, embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) during a major strike against a concealed MiG-17 aircraft and in an occupied surface-to-air missile site at Vinch, North Vietnam, on 16 May 1968. As Strike Leader, Commander Arnold displayed decisive leadership, initiative and rapid response in planning and executing the attack on these highly evasive targets. The ordnance and aircraft selected to carry out this attack were highly optimized to ensure maximum target destruction with a minimum number of aircraft being exposed to the heavy concentration of enemy defenses in the area. Leading the attack group so as to gain almost complete surprise in the heavily defended area, he placed his striking elements in perfect position for devastating attacks on their assigned targets. The strike resulted in complete destruction of the surface-to-air missile site and damage to the MiG aircraft. The gallantry and leadership displayed by Commander Arnold were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Regiment:

    Attack Carrier Air Wing 11

    Division:

    U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)

    Action Date:

    March 16, 1968

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Henry Duff Arnold (NSN: 0-532620), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of jet aircraft while serving as Commander, Attack Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN, embarked in U.S.S. KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) during a major Air Wing strike against the vital enemy Kien An Highway Bridge and Bypass in Haiphong, North Vietnam, on 16 March 1968. As the Strike Leader, Commander Arnold devised a two-pronged attack plan designed to penetrate the enemy’s concentrated surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery defenses and to achieve maximum effective fire power on the target bridges. Though opposed by heavy enemy defenses and hindered by poor weather conditions in the target area, Commander Arnold led his group through a successful bombing attack inflicting severe damage to both target bridges. With cool precision and aggressive airmanship he personally achieved direct hits on the main Kien An Highway Bridge. Commander Arnold’s inspirational leadership, thorough planning and outstanding display of aeronautical skill were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 22 (VA-22)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Coral Sea (CVA-43)

    Action Date:

    November 22, 1966

    Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial PD-366 (January 27, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Henry Duff Arnold (NSN: 0-532620), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while participating in aerial flight as a Jet Attack Pilot attached to and serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron TWENTY-TWO (VA-22), in the U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43), in action on 22 November 1966. Commander Arnold coordinated and led a major strike against a surface-to-air missile support facility located five miles southwest of Haiphong, North Vietnam. He meticulously planned and briefed the approach, strike tactics and departure from the target area. Commander Arnold led the strike group toward the target. A barrage of six missiles rose to meet the flight as they proceeded along the planned navigation route. He intrepidly directed and led the entire attack group through a series of evasive maneuvers, avoiding the threat and continuing into the target. On his signal, the attack group climbed to their optimum roll-in point and attacked the target with Commander Arnold gallantly leading the way, alert to the continuous missile threat and intense anti-aircraft artillery sites in the area. Despite the great personal risk presented by the heavy anti-aircraft artillery, automatic weapons fire and two additional missiles fired at the departure of the strike aircraft, he audaciously swung his aircraft back in over the target for damage assessment. Through Commander Arnold’s meticulous planning, intrepid leadership exhibited by his tactical control of the strike group, and conspicuous gallantry when faced with great personal risk, the target was rendered useless to the enemy with no loss or damage to his own strike forces. Commander Arnold’s courageous actions reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    November 1969 – June 1971

    Board Serial 788 (June 4, 1971)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain Henry Duff Arnold (NSN: 0-532620), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Assistant and Naval Aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research and Development) from November 1969 to June 1971. Captain Arnold served as principal assistant and staff manager to the Assistant Secretary responsible for the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation policy for the Department of the Navy. As Chief Advisor, Captain Arnold was an unfailing source of wise counsel, demonstrating a rare and perceptive ability to determine key elements of complex problems enabling him to make timely, responsible decisions or recommendations to his superiors. His advice and recommendations on important research and development problems influenced senior officials in the Navy, the Department of Defense and other government agencies. On numerous occasions, when his principal has been absent, Captain Arnold exhibited extremely proficient abilities in conducting the affairs of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research and Development). He not only managed that office, but also executed many of the functions normally reserved for a Civilian Executive Assistant. The skill with which he coordinated the work of a highly trained staff of specialists within that office attested to his outstanding leadership and managerial qualities. Captain Arnold’s superb judgment and exemplary performance resulted in praise, admiration and deepest respect from officials of the highest echelons of the Department of Defense, reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Attack Squadron 22 (VA-22)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Coral Sea (CVA-43)

    Action Date:

    January 5, 1967

    Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial PD-986 (March 6, 1967)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Commander Henry Duff Arnold (NSN: 0-532620), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Jet Attack Pilot attached to and serving as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron TWENTY-TWO (VA-22), in the U.S.S. CORAL SEA (CVA-43), in Southeast Asia on 5 January 1967. As leader of a strike of three A-4C aircraft against the Thai Binh Highway Bridge, one of the major bridges along Highway 10, North Vietnam, Commander Arnold planned and briefed the mission to exploit deception and expediency en route and in the target area. The target, located on the main line of communication between Haiphong and Nam Dinh was protected by several known surface-to-air missile sites and high concentrations of anti-aircraft artillery and automatic weapons. Penetrating the coast line the flight feinted toward the complex at Nam Dinh. Utilizing high speed jinking in order to deter tracking by the area defenses, he led his flight to a position approximately three miles from the assigned target, changed course, and using a “pop-up” to obtain the optimum delivery altitude maneuvered his flight into position for a simultaneous attack. Superb tactical maneuvering by Commander Arnold enhanced tight flight integrity and enabled the expeditious delivery of all bombs. The minimum time in the target area degraded the enemy’s medium and heavy anti-aircraft artillery defensive capability and the only observed opposition was an inaccurate, moderate barrage in the area, encountered prior to rolling in. His bombs were observed to impact on the target forming a tremendous geyser of debris and water which obscured the entire northern half of the bridge. Photo reconnaissance showed that the northern two spans and their supporting pier of this major five-span bridge had been destroyed. Commander Arnold’s attention to detail in planning, meticulous briefing, superb airmanship, and extraordinary leadership were instrumental in the overall success of the assigned mission. His bravery in the face of enemy opposition, professional skill, and extraordinary bombing accuracy were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    July 1979 – July 1982

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Henry Duff Arnold (NSN: 0-532620), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander, Naval Electronic Systems Command and Commander, Naval Electronic Systems Command, Washington, D.C., from July 1979 to July 1982. Responsible for the development and deployment of highly classified naval electronic warfare and intelligence support systems, Rear Admiral Arnold provided the superlative guidance and management necessary to ensure that these systems of vital importance to the national defense posture were operational in a timely manner. As one of the most respected experts in surveillance and intelligence exploitation systems, his brilliant professional leadership and complete dedication to aggressive pursuit of innovative capabilities to enhance national security had a profound impact on the future defense posture of the United States. By his distinguished service, professional expertise, and steadfast devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Arnold reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.