Naval History and Heritage Command

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Henry Duff Arnold was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on October 2, 1927, son of H.C. Arnold and Dorothy L. (Beets) Arnold. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy in July 1946 and graduated in June of 1950.

Following graduation from the Academy, he reported to Pensacola, Florida for Naval Air Training. He was designated a Naval Aviator in March 1952, and was assigned to Fighter Squadron 93 (VF-93) and saw action during the Korean War on board USS Philippine Sea. Detached from VF-93 in April 1955, he reported to Fleet All Weather Training Unit, Pacific, to serve as a Jet Instrument Flight Instructor. In November 1957 he served as Flight Instructor in Advanced Training Unit 105, Memphis, Tennessee. In July 1958 he attended the Communications Engineering Course at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, graduating in June 1960.

He was then assigned to VA-113 serving there until October 1962, when he reported to the Defense Communications Agency. In August 1964 he entered the U.S. Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island graduating in June 1965. His next assignment was to VA-22, the “FIGHTING REDCOCKS”, where he served as Executive Officer, then Commanding Officer. This tour was followed by assignment to USS Kitty Hawk as Commander, Attack Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN.

Upon detachment, he reported to the Office of Naval Research in November 1968 as Director, Air Programs, and served in that position until November 1969 when he reported to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research and Development) as the Executive Assistant and Naval Aide. His next assignment was Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington. This was followed by a tour in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations as Head, National Policy and Command Organization Branch. He served as the Director of the Tactical Air, Surface and Electronic Warfare Development Division from March 1975 to June 1977.

He assumed command as Commander, Medium Attack Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing in July 1977. Admiral Arnold assumed the additional duty as Commander, THIRTEENTH Naval District in April 1978. He was relieved of this additional duty in July 1978.

He became Vice Commander of the Naval Electronic Systems Command, Washington, D.C., on July 1, 1979, and Commander on March 21, 1980.

Admiral Arnold’s decorations and medals include the Silver Star; Legion of Merit; Distinguished Flying Cross; Bronze Star; Air Medals; Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Commendation; and the Navy Commendation Medal.

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