Herman F. Arnold

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Herman F. Arnold (318681), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a Radio Operator of Headquarters, FIRST Marine Raider Battalion, during the enemy Japanese attack on Henderson Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on the night of 13 and 14 September 1942. After he had become separated from his own platoon and was unable to reestablish contact in the darkness, Private First Class Arnold with resolute determination and courageous initiative, made his way to the front lines. There, with utter disregard for his own personal safety, he entered into the thick of the fight and was killed in action. He gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.