Arnold, William H. (William Howard), 1901-1976

William Howard Arnold (1901-1976) was born in Dyersburg, Tennessee. After being commissioned into the infantry from West Point in 1924, he served with the 15th infantry between 1934 and 1936 in Tienstin, China. After his 1938 graduation from the Command and General Staff School, he served as an aide to Brig. Gen. Oscar W. Griswold. He also served as deputy chief of staff of IV Corps from February 1942 to April 1943, after which he rose in rank to brigadier general. He then served as chief of staff for XIV Corps, and rose to major general in November 1944. He commanded the Americal Division from November 1944 to December 1945. He served as commanding general of U.S. forces in Austria between 1953 and 1955, and the Fifth Army from 1955 to 1961, retiring in that final year. His decorations included two Distinguished Service Medals, the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, and two Bronze Stars.

Brigadier general (1944), campaigned in Bougainville, Solomon Islands (1944) as chief of staff of XIV Corps, and in the Philippine Islands (1945). Appointed to Colonel (1948) and Brigadier General (1949) in the regular Army.