Fredric Arnold, also known as Fredric Lionel Kohn, was a multifaceted individual who led a truly remarkable life. Born in Chicago in 1922 to parents of Russian Jewish descent, Arnold showed signs of artistic talent at an early age. By the time he was 11, he was already a paid professional artist, supporting his family by drawing portraits of prominent figures in the Second City. However, his life took a dramatic turn when the United States entered World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Despite his initial naivety about military matters, Arnold dutifully enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and found himself flying combat missions over North Africa and Sicily. Miraculously surviving 50 missions, Arnold proved to be a skilled aviator who was promoted to major by the age of 23. Throughout his wartime experiences, he grappled with the contrast between his sensitive artistic nature and the ferocious warrior he had to become in combat.
After the war, Arnold pursued his artistic career in New York City, legally changing his name to Arnold as a way of putting the war behind him. Possessing a unique blend of artistic creativity and mechanical aptitude, Arnold went on to invent the iconic aluminum-and-nylon folding beach chair that has become a symbol of leisure in the United States. Despite his success as an inventor and entrepreneur, Arnold was haunted by the memories of his fallen comrades from the war.
In 1977, Arnold experienced a mental crisis, now recognized as post-traumatic stress disorder, and was encouraged to write about his wartime experiences. This resulted in the novel “Doorknob Five Two,” a fictionalized account of the trauma suffered by American airmen during the war. Arnold’s creative endeavors also extended to acting in his later years, landing roles on popular TV shows and even making an appearance in a hit comedy film.
However, the most significant chapter of Arnold’s creative life came when he fulfilled a promise he made to honor the 12 young men from his unit who never returned from the war. Devoting his final years to a monumental bronze sculpture called “Lest We Forget: The Mission,” Arnold completed the work in 2016 at the age of 94. This haunting sculpture, depicting his fallen comrades receiving their final briefing, was a testament to Arnold’s dedication to preserving the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in combat.
Fredric Arnold passed away in Boulder, Colorado, in 2018 at the age of 96, on Memorial Day. His legacy as a reluctant warrior, creative dynamo, and innovative inventor continues to be celebrated as a national treasure. Through his art, inventions, and unwavering commitment to honoring the memory of his fellow servicemen, Arnold embodied the resilience and creativity of the American spirit.
