04 Jun 1999 REMEMBERED A memorial initiated by one who wore his MIA bracelet, Sandi sandiswrld@aol.com

 

18 Nov 2003 William Tamm Arnold, Your story deeply touched me and I wear your MIA bracelet in honor of you. I wear it to pay my great respects to you and every other American who died fighting for our country. I pray that your story will one day be resolved. Amanda Thornton amanda3604@aol.com

 

11 May 2004 Three years ago, I forever joined with two very special people in my life, my wife when we were married, and the MIA bracelet that she had worn for many years that carried the information of LTJG William Tamm Arnold. I thought it was interesting that the bracelet had my first name William and my wife's maiden name of Arnold. I decided to start researching this brave pilot and what may have happened on 11/18/66. Since then, I have been able to talk with the pilots that flew with Bill off the USS Coral Sea, read an email from the pilot that actually was the leader of the flight the day Bill vanished, and most special to me, I was able to contact Bill's sister and have maintained a nice relationship with her over the past years. I am going to continue researching Bill and hope that someday we can devote the time, money, and effort to find Bill and all the others that should finally make it back to the Country they were fighting for when they left us so many years ago. I salute you, Commander Arnold, your family, and everybody that gave the ultimate sacrifice so my family can live in peace. I raise my glass to the west and say thanks. From William J. Conway III williejoe777@hotmail.com

 

31 May 2004 I have worn your bracelet for 14 years. I purchased it when I was in DC visiting my daughter, who was in the Navy stationed in Bethesda, MD. This was the first time I had the honor of visiting the Wall. I can't describe the feeling I had. It was very humbling. All of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the United States and my family and me. Today I had that same humbling feeling and sadness. I visited the Moving Wall in Worland, WY. I owe my freedom to you and all of the service men and women that served now or in the past! I will continue to wear your bracelet and PROUDLY fly the POW/MIA flag, until all are back home! soaring_eagle_55@hotmail.com

 

2 Jun 2004 I wear your bracelet with the prayer that someday you will come home. I am thankful for the sacrifices you and others have made, so the rest of can live in freedom. When others see my red bracelet and wonder what it is, I tell them about the men and women still missing. Beth Tampa, Florida IRTeecher@aol.com

 

08 Aug 2005 Bill was a wonderful pilot and friend. I have never believed that pilot error caused his death. Something happened to the aircraft. A SAM probably. I am sure he is with friends, even if some are F-8 pilots. From a friend, Al Aston owlsan@maine.rr.com

 

02 Apr 2007 I have worn his bracelet since 1968. I met his mom in Birmingham several years ago. I am grateful for all military men who have fought and died so that I can live a life free from worry. After all these years I want to see all accounted for and until that day comes I will wear my bracelet with pride. Karen E-mail address is not available.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 18 November 1966, then-LTJG William T. Arnold of Attack Squadron 22 embarked in the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA launched as the wingman in a section of A-4Cs to conduct a coastal weather reconnaissance mission. Arnold was flying A-4C Bureau Number 148496. The flight approached the North Vietnamese coast 15 to 20 miles south of Cap Mui Ron. The weather was overcast and was solid up to approximately 7,000 feet. Flying beneath the overcast approximately 7 miles from the coast, the flight leader determined that the cloud base was of sufficient height to effect a bombing maneuver. The flight leader completed his maneuver, staying beneath the overcast, and was turning east when he heard the transmission, "I'm in the clouds, coming down." The leader looked back, but did not see Arnold's aircraft. The flight leader called to Arnold but received no response. He saw no evidence of an ejection nor any debris which would indicate a crash. The USS CORAL SEA conducted search and rescue efforts but without result. The flight leader believed that LTJG Arnold inadvertently entered the cloud deck, became disoriented, and crashed into the ocean while trying to recover. Even so, the possibility existed that LTJG Arnold had ejected from his aircraft and been captured, so he was classed as Missing in Action. He remained in this status until a Presumptive Finding of Death was approved by the Secretary of the Navy on 18 May 1978, almost 12 years after his loss. While the casualty database reflects William T. Arnold's end grade as Lieutenant Commander (O-4) as reported here, his family has advised that he received a final promotion to Commander (O-5). His remains have not been recovered.

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