Fredric Arnold Obituary

Fredric Arnold, sole surviving member of his WWII P-38 Combat Fighter Pilot Group, Class of 42J, died at the age of 96. He devoted his life to helping people appreciate the incalculable human cost of war. His monument to the US Airmen killed in WWII was his way of communicating that terrible loss. It was fitting that he passed away on May 28th, 2018... Memorial Day. His monumental sculpture, "Lest We Forget: The Mission", fulfilled his vow to honor the more than 88,000 US Airmen Killed during the war. He completed the seven-year project at the age of 94. A life-long artist, he appreciated beauty wherever he found it. He had no desire to go to war... but answered the call when the need arose. The horrors of the war scarred him deeply and he vowed to honor the twelve out of fourteen of his original Group and the countless others killed in war. He created the monumental bronze sculpture of twelve airmen in a mission briefing to depict what he called the "quiet heroism of deciding to go on yet another mission, knowing it was Russian Roulette and that some would not return". Following the war, he led a full and varied life as an inventor (creator of the aluminum folding chair), writer (best-selling autobiographical novel, "Doorknob Five Two"), businessman (several successful companies), actor (appearing in more than 20 movies), public speaker (lecturing to hundreds of groups) and prolific artist (in varied media ranging from sand sculptures to fine art). He is survived by his loving wife, Natalie, of 73 years; his three children, Marcie, Dana and Marc; his five grandchildren and a circle of friends and supporters that span the globe. To honor his memory, you are invited to visit www.LestWeForgetSculpture.org, take a moment of your day to contemplate about the debt we owe to the countless young men of WWII to whom we owe so much. He dreamed of seeing two of his sculptures exhibited to the public, one in Denver, the other in New Orleans. If you are moved to do so, you may make a contribution through the website to help fund a second casting of the sculpture. He left enjoying the knowledge that his family shared boundless love for him, pride in his life's accomplishments and admiration for who he was.

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Published by The Daily Camera on May 31, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Fredric Arnold

14 Entries

brent perry

April 22, 2025

I met Mr Arnold at an air show back in 1994, I read his book Doorknob 52, being a veteran of the first gulf war we sat down and exchanged war stories and he had way more than me. I am very glad that I got to sit down and talk to this true American hero rest in peace Doorknob 52

Mike Belochi

May 30, 2024

I have thought of Mr. Arnold on an off for the last several years since his departure. He was both dreamer and pragmatic optimist. He is the sort of person of which this country is made. I hold them in very high regard, which is not the same as holding him as a person of purity. Everyone has their flaws, he just made the most of his.

Tom Desjardins

October 10, 2022

I just now learned about Fredric's passing. I met him at a couple of airshows, exchanged a few emails and was invited to his home in Encino for a visit in 05'. As noted, he was an amazing man. Now I have to re-read his book again... R.I.P.

Kenny Sherrill

November 20, 2021

I met Fredric and his lively wife a number of times at the air shows at Madera and Shafter, he was a great man to talk to and I enjoyed his books as well. A true American Hero, God bless you Sir and your loving wife. SEMPER FI from old Kenny.

Don Bemis

May 25, 2021

It was a pleasure and my honor to know Fredric and Natalie. We had several visits with them at various airshows in the past. Rest in peace with God.

Tracy Newman

February 12, 2021

I just saw this today. I adored Fred Arnold and his lovely wife, Natalie. They were close friends with my parents. He always had a remarkable project in the works. He was young at heart and fascinating and funny. The world has lost a very bright light.

Don Chaoman

October 24, 2019

I only knew Fredric thru his book "Doorknob Five Two" given to me thru a friend Felicity, here in our Community. She and Roger Marrs were friends of Fredric and his wife in Encino,CA. She gave me his book because she knew I was interested in Aviation and WW2 Flying. I was only about 12 years old when Fredric and his fellow airmen were fighting in WW2. However, I've had a lifelong interest in these brave men. I wrote to Fredric back in April 2011, and received the most gracious letter back from him at that time. God Bless

Don Chapman, Port Charlotte, FL

Mike

October 14, 2019

I had the pleasure of Living/working with this man. I will say, he was definitely a light in the darkness. I dont know the fine print, but the layer he showed me was something to live by... "Never had fried chicken". Lol ... something I will never forget. See you later Mr. Egg... p.s. your the first man who influenced me to try Sardine swiss on rye.

Donald Bemis

July 31, 2019

Family of my friend, Fred Arnold,
I had the pleasure to meet Fred and his wife Nat several times at the air show in Shafter, CA near Bakersfield. He always arrived in his GMC motorhome, and was glad to ride with us to a local restaurant near the airport. I did communicate with him several times, by phone and through e-mail. I was honored to receive as a gift the print "Strange Bedfellows". I also have one of his Doorknob 52 books which I read probably every other year. I was honored to be Fred's friend, and honored to visit with him so many times at the airshows. God rest his soul.

Donald Bemis
Vietnam Vet

April 3, 2019

Dearest Arnold Family,
I met Fred and Natalie at the Encino gym circa the mid-90's. He was attracted to my poetry, and I to his work as an author. He always extended himself with grace, humility, and a vulnerable openness, which made me the wiser. I have "The Gospel According to Major Fredric Arnold" framed, and hanging on my wall. It was a physical gift, however, it pales in comparison to the fellowship he openly bestowed upon me.
I learned about his passing today (4/3/19), but I am eternally grateful for the yesterday's shared.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences,
Brian Wohlmuth

FALLEN SOULdiers
At Arlington, just yesterday,
her son was laid to rest
A decorated warrior,
with stars upon his chest
Like him I am another soul,
who shares this gallant fate
And as true heroes evermore,
we march toward Heaven's Gate
Our spirits have become at-ease
for peace resides ahead
"Know God - No War,
No God - Know War,"
is what Saint Peter said