Arnold, Jackson Dominick, ADM

After moving around the country and being at sea for years, Arnold retired to Rancho Santa Fe, California, where he built a home of his own design for himself and his wife Muriel. They were both active in the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club and other activities in the community.

In retirement, Arnold stayed active in aviation, joining the Cubic Corporation Board of Directors, the Golden Eagles, the San Diego Aerospace Museum and various other naval aviation oriented groups. Ever the artist, he continued drawing and working in his garden. Occasionally, he would put an entry into the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club show, almost always gaining a ribbon or two. Towards the end of his life, Jack spent most of his time in his living room watching television. He loved to watch cavalry, western, and action movies. A particular favorite was Walker, Texas Ranger.

Although the Arnolds had no children of their own, they were very close to their families, the McChesneys and the Arnolds. They spent a lot of time with their nieces and nephews over the years. Somehow the assignments always kept them near their family and they got an opportunity to be with them. Leading by example, he passed his values throughout the family: God, honor, country, politeness, and preparing for all of life. Muriel passed away on February 18, 2004.

Arnold died in Encinitas, California, on December 8, 2007, at the age of 95. He was buried with full military honors in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, next to his wife.

Navy Cross
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
Battalion: Bombing Fighting Squadron 2 (VBF-2)
Division: U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12)
General Orders: Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0438 (August 20, 1944)
Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Jackson Dominick Arnold (NSN: 0-73500/1510), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Group Commander and Flight Leader in Bombing Fighting Squadron TWO (VBF-2), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on 20 June 1944. Participating in a strike against hostile surface units, Commander Arnold scored a damaging near miss on a carrier and directed his flight in damaging and probably destroying the enemy vessel and in obtaining a torpedo hit on a cruiser. After leading his flight back to base, he assisted several in his group in landing under extremely difficult conditions and in darkness before boarding his carrier. By his skill as an airman and leadership, Admiral Arnold upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.