Mr. Arthur joined the United States Navy three months prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was an aircraft carrier pilot, flying in America's first full-scale air attack on Tokyo. During his military service he was shot down over the ocean near Okinawa, being rescued ninety minutes later out of the water when he was picked up by a U.S. destroyer. On another occasion, while landing his plane on an aircraft carrier, 200 Japanese bombers attacked the carrier fleet severely damaging the plane he was in. He spent two weeks recovering from shrapnel wounds. His distinguished military career was highlighted when he received a Purple Heart in addition to a Distinguished Flying Cross with star in lieu of a second Air Medal with six stars. He was honorably discharged in 1945 with the permanent rank of lieutenant commander.

Mr. Arthur joined the United States Navy three months prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was an aircraft carrier pilot, flying in America's first full-scale air attack on Tokyo. During his military service he was shot down over the ocean near Okinawa, being rescued ninety minutes later out of the water when he was picked up by a U.S. destroyer. On another occasion, while landing his plane on an aircraft carrier, 200 Japanese bombers attacked the carrier fleet severely damaging the plane he was in. He spent two weeks recovering from shrapnel wounds. His distinguished military career was highlighted when he received a Purple Heart in addition to a Distinguished Flying Cross with star in lieu of a second Air Medal with six stars. He was honorably discharged in 1945 with the permanent rank of lieutenant commander.