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