By Deborah Larsen
Max C. Arnold
Max C. Arnold was born in Rochester, Michigan, on February 17, 1922, the son of Vern and Christine Cameron Arnold. Max attended Rochester High School and graduated with the class of 1940. He worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company before he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in March 1942.
Max was stationed in Europe and piloted the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane with the 358th Fighter Group. He flew 146 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 21 clusters. He was discharged from military service in October 1945 at the rank of captain.
Max remained his interest in aviation for the rest of his life. After the war, he operated Arnold Airport in Croswell, Michigan, with his brother, Rod, who was also an Army Air Forces veteran.
Max C. Arnold died at the age of 76 on March 4, 1998, and was laid to rest in Croswell, Michigan.