| Sergeant Walter L. Arnold's Decorations |
| American Theatre Service Medal |
| Good Conduct Medal |
| Bronze Star Medal See below for Army commendation for the Bronze Star |
 |
| Dad won his Bronze Star Medal on April 13, 1945, although the commendation wrongly states April 15. The commendation for the medal reads as follows. "Eighty-Third Infantry Division; Office of the Commanding General. For distinguishing himself by heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 15 April 1945 in Germany. While Sergeant Arnold was putting his 57mm gun into position to cover an open field near Walternienburg, when an enemy Mark VI tank opened fire and demolished his truck. Sergeant Arnold and another enlisted man, with disregard for their personal safety, immediately manned the gun and engaged the enemy tank hitting it several times and causing it to withdraw. He again manned the gun when they were attacked a short time later by enemy infantry and high velocity guns but his accurate fire pinned them down until friendly artillery was brought to bear on them. Sergeant Arnold's initiative, quick thinking and heroic devotion to duty merit great praise and are in keeping with the finest military traditions. Entered military service from Kentucky." |
| Combat Infantry Badge |
| The Normandy Memorial 60th Anniversary Badge Awarded April 17, 2005, by the French Government in Lexington, Ky., and made possible by a special delegation from Lexington's sister city, Deauville, Normandy. |
 |
| Dad with Deauville's Vice Mayor Isabelle Patry-Santos April 17, 2005 |
| Scroll down for the French Legion of Honor Medal awarded September, 2007 |
 |
 |
| European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with Five battle stars |
 |
|
| Click badge for larger image |
 |
 |
 |
| WWII Victory Medal |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
| On September 28th, 2007, the President of the French Republic named Dad "Knight of the Legion of Honor" for valorous action during World War II. The Legion of Honor was created by Napoleon in 1802 to acknowledge services rendered to France by persons of great merit. A letter from Jean-Baptiste Main de Boissiere, the Consul General of France, expressed the gratitude of France, as follows. "My fellow countrymen will never forget your sacrifice. Their children and grandchildren are as proud of your courageous actions as can be your own children and grandchildren. This outstanding distinction is the highest honor that France can bestow upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for France. It is also a sign of true gratitude for your invaluable contribution to the liberation of France during these difficult times in the history of our nation." On October 4, 2007, Dad also received a letter from Pierre Vimont, the French Ambassador to the United States. The letter speaks of France's "true and unforgettable gratitude and appreciation for your personal, precious contribution to the United States' decisive role in the liberation of our country during World War II." He concludes by stating "the French people will never forget your courage and your devotion to the great cause of freedom." |
| French Legion of Honor Medal |
 |
| November, 2007 |