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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Mar '91
Robert Earl Arnold No.15718 Class of 1946 Died
22 March 1972 in Waco, Texas, aged 46 years. Interment: Gainesville,
Texas |
Mention Bob Arnold and one immediately thinks of a gregarious
Texan who enjoyed his days as a cadet. His manner, walk, and
language were deep in the heart of that well-known state. With
confidence and an engaging personality, Bob approached the rigors
of Beast Barracks in 1943 with a tremendous amount of pride in
being accepted as a part of the Long Gray Line.
Born in Olney Texas, 6 April 1925, son of Robert F. and Rhoda
Arnold, Bob was recalled by his brother as a leader in his early
years, displaying a keen mind and many physical attributes. Bob
lettered in major sports in high school and was an undefeated
boxer; subsequently, he was the intramural champion at the University
of Texas. Bob was an all-around achiever, active in school affairs,
a public speaker, and excelled academically, graduating as salutatorian.
His nickname of "Webster" was most apropos. Those who
met him as a cadet can verify that Bob had a marvelous command
of English, with an unequaled vocabulary and a retentive mind.
Following two years of engineering school in Austin, it wasn't
long until all of Central Area learned there was a plebe from
"Nacona, Texas, the boot capital of the world, Sir."
This was his usual reply to the upperclassmen's query.
Bob, like some others in B-I Company, had an undistinguished
cadet career. He survived the system probably easier than most
because of his ability to enjoy people. One way this was done
was through the creation of a hillbilly band, a.k.a. country
music today. Along with Gruenther, Fuller, Hoefling, Koch, and
an assortment of those who could not make the Cadet Choir, they
would entertain anyone who would listen at Delafield picnics,
Saturday in South Area and Quarters 101. Yes, the "Com"
and his wife endured this group.
At the Academy, Bob never took academics seriously. He had
a large reservoir of intelligence that was only partially utilized.
His athletic skills, however, earned him numerals by participating
for three years in boxing and track. Bob's affability and effervescence
gained him a multitude of friends. Helping others to raise their
spirits was natural for him. Colorful, fun to be with, whether
at reveille in ranks or on weekends in New York, he had a zest
for life. During first class year Bob met lovely, attractive
Betty Kaiser who was attending a New York college. Being from
Dallas was a plus, so it was no surprise to see him dating Betty
every weekend and teaching her his favorite tunes.
Commissioned in the Infantry, Bob reported to Ft. Benning,
Georgia after marrying Betty on 19 July. Their first home in
the Columbus suburbs was a popular spot for classmates.
Many single types riding motorcycles and toting guitars would
appear on their doorstep seeking a respite from bachelor life.
Salzburg, Austria was next. Joining an occupation unit in
that scenic area, he performed the normal company officer duties
with distinction. In the post-World War II period there
was time for class reunions in Germany's Alps and coaching a
football team to the European Command championship in 1949.
Law school at the University of Virginia followed, where his
true academic ability surfaced as he graduated with honors, ninth
in his class. By now there were two beautiful daughters who learned
it was difficult to sleep when friends were gathering in the
Arnold's small student apartment
Joining the Judge Advocate General Corps in 1953, Bob quickly
became a superb military lawyer in his assignments in Louisiana,
Korea, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and California. He distinguished
himself in the post-Korean War era in his capacity as a traveling
law officer throughout the country as well as in the I Corps
area. Dick Gruenther aptly stated, "If I were in trouble
with the law, I would want Bob as my attorney."
Shortly after an assignment on the West Coast in 1963, Bob
received a discharge due to a physical disability, and returned
to Texas to teach and to practice law. In 1972 he suffered a
fatal heart attack, and was buried in Gainesville, Texas. The
Army, West Point, his legion of friends, and his beloved family
lost a wonderful person. Subsequently, Betty settled in Missouri
where she could rear the children in a fashion Bob would he immensely
proud of today. Genes work in strange ways--daughter Helen majored
in English and now teaches; Sara, despite not getting much sleep
at age five, was graduated from the University of North Carolina
and now is a physician in Seattle; Robert, Jr., educated in Canada
and Alabama, is a financial officer, and Nicky, a University
of Chicago grad is a computer programmer. All their memories
are warmed with the conviction that Bob Arnold loved and enjoyed
his children.
Outgoing, personable, as the ultimate extrovert, Bob had an
extraordinary intellect and a strong sense of achievement in
facing life's challenges when it was no longer tun and games.
We who were fortunate to know him miss this dynamic, talented
and warm-hearted individual.
Frank Blazey, Dick Fuller, Dave Bryant, Dick Gruenther and
Family
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