#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Arnold R. Ragains

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran Arnold R. Ragains. Arnold served during World War II.

Arnold was drafted in 1943 and sent to Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana. At first, he was assigned to the 97^th Infantry Division. Just before they were sent overseas, he got the opportunity to join the Air Force, and he took it. However, as soon as the Battle of the Bulge began in December of 1944, infantry troops were badly needed and anyone with infantry training was transferred back to the army infantry. Arnold was assigned to the 75^th Infantry Division and sent overseas, landing at Normandy Beach in 1944. He was part of a roaming unit that went wherever they were needed. The unit spent some time under General George Patton’s command and then fought alongside the French. Arnold and his unit then took part in the Allies’ drive into Germany.

Arnold had three brothers, two of whom fought in WWII as well. He married his wife, Martha, just before he went overseas and kept in touch with her through letters. After the war, Arnold used his G.I. Bill to get a degree in mechanical engineering. He got a job in that field but afterwards decided it wasn’t for him and went into the bakery business. Later, he went into the construction business. He was also a member of the American Legion. Arnold passed away in 2011. More of his story can be found at http://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/story/loc.natlib.afc2001001.00912/

We honor his service.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Graphic By Lilian Vo: Lilian Vo is an undergraduate senior at George Mason University studying Global Affairs and Intelligence Analysis.