Colonel Edgar L. Arnold
February 17, 2011

Edgar L. Arnold, Colonel, US Army, Retired, son of Raymond and Eva (Bennett) Arnold was born in Cheyenne, WY on April 2, 1913 and died at his home in Omaha, NE on February 17, 2011.
In 1917 the family relocated to Iowa and remained in the Shenandoah area where Ed attended the Shenandoah schools. He was a member of the Shenandoah Class of 1932. His companion of some 45 years including 28 year of active military service was his wife, Alice Anderzhon, who died in 1978 at their home west of Shenandoah. He later married Dorothy M. Spomer of Omaha, NE.
Colonel Arnold followed a military career beginning as 1st Sgt. of Co. E of the 168th Inf. Regt., 34th Inf. Div. Iowa National Guard. On February 10, 1941 Company E from Shenandoah was inducted into Federal Service and the unit was ordered to Louisiana. Ed attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. on July 3, 1942 and assigned as a Company Commander in the 28th Inf. Div. that moved to England in 1943. He was transferred to the 2nd Ranger Bn. in March 1944 and participated as a Company Commander during the D-Day invasion of Europe on Omaha Beach where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Ed remained with the 2nd Ranger Bn. as Executive Officer participating in five battle campaigns and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Presidential Unit Citation as well as receiving two battlefield promotions and ending the war in Europe as a Major, US Army, Reserve.
After graduating from Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, he integrated into the Regular Army as a 1st Lt. Inf. in July 1946. Colonel Arnold has served in numerous positions and units throughout his military career in both Staff and Command assignments. His military duties have taken him to England; Germany; France; Trieste in Italy; Republic of China (Taiwan); South Korea; as well as several Posts, Camps, and Stations in the United States. His last duty assignment was at Deputy Inspector General, Fourth US Army, Ft. Sam Houston, TX where he was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to his country. He retired from active duty at Ft. Sam Houston in 1967.
In addition to aforementioned awards, Colonel Arnold was the recipient of several other awards and decorations including the Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters. Most cherished of all to an infantryman, however, is the Combat Infantry Badge which Colonel Arnold wore with distinction.
In July 1973 Colonel Arnold was appointed to the office of Fremont County Judicial Magistrate. During his term in office he conducted Court proceedings in Sidney and Hamburg, IA. After serving the Judicial Magistrate System for almost 6 years he laid down his gavel in retirement in 1979.
Colonel Arnold was a life member of the Legion of Valor of the United States of America, the Retired Officers Association, and the American Legion. He served as Commander of the American Legion Post #88 in Shenandoah during 1973. He was also a member of the King of Kings Lutheran Church in Omaha, NE.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his first wife Alice, three brothers, three sisters, a granddaughter, and two great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Dorothy of Omaha; son L/C (Ret) Raymond L. Arnold and wife Rita of Williamsburg, VA; sister Leona Johnson of Red Oak, IA; brother Donald Arnold of Klamath Falls, OR; stepsons Dennis and Dwayne Spomer and wives Susan and Glenna of Omaha, NE; a stepdaughter Debbie Rabe and husband Richard of Grand Island, NE; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; numerous nieces & nephews.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Shenandoah Veteran's Chapel Maintenance and Improvement Fund.

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