Fredric Arnold, a remarkable World War II combat pilot, was not your average warrior. A child prodigy artist from Chicago, he found himself in the midst of war, experiencing and inflicting death contrary to his gentle nature. His son, Marc Arnold, shared with Fox News Digital that the war was a torturous experience for his father, a sensitive artist who ended up in combat, killing and being constantly at risk.
Despite the scars of war, Arnold’s creative gift thrived. He fought in 50 combat missions and survived, only to embark on an incredible post-war journey as an artist, author, actor, sculptor, and inventor. One of his notable inventions was the folding aluminum beach chair, a symbol of idyllic summer days in America. In Phaidon Press’ book “Chair: 500 Designs That Matter,” Arnold’s creation is hailed as portable and easy to store, reflecting the ideal summer experience with cold beers and smoking barbecues.
Arnold’s invention not only brought joy to millions of Americans enjoying their summers but also earned recognition for its contribution to industrial design. But for Arnold, it was merely a footnote in a life filled with remarkable achievements.
His artistic talents and mechanical aptitude allowed him to train thousands of future air-combat pilots and served as an innovator and entrepreneur after the war. He even ventured into writing novels and pursuing acting in TV and movies during his 60s.
However, the memories of war haunted Arnold until the end of his days. He made a promise to honor his fallen comrades and fulfilled it at the age of 94 by creating a grand sculpture dedicated to the 88,000 American pilots who lost their lives in World War II. This final creative effort showcased his unwavering determination and artistic spirit.
Born as Fredric Lionel Kohn, the child prodigy artist faced anti-Semitism, prompting him to adopt the professional name Fredric Arnold. Naive about military matters, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and expected to defend his homeland only to be shipped overseas to face the German’s air superiority.
Yet, Arnold’s skill as an aviator and determination prevailed as he fought in North Africa and Sicily, miraculously surviving 50 missions and earning the rank of major by the age of 23. His combat sketches, created after each mission, analyzed deadly mistakes made by American pilots and played a crucial role in training future aviators.
Arnold’s experiences during the war were intensified by his fear as a Jewish soldier fighting against an enemy known for its mistreatment of Jews. He managed to escape a POW camp and continue flying missions before finally being relieved of combat duty.
Among the few survivors of his unit, Arnold made a promise with his comrade Jim Hagenback to honor their fallen friends. As the last man standing, Arnold carried the weight of fulfilling that vow.
After the war, Arnold pursued his art career in New York City and legally changed his name as a way to start anew. His artistic abilities and mechanical aptitude were a rare combination, leading him to help the Army in designing improvements for aircraft performance and even inventing a cockpit urinal for female pilots.
However, Arnold’s most significant innovation came in the form of the folding aluminum beach chair. A true Renaissance man, he used the fairly new material of aluminum to create a revolutionary design that would forever change leisure time. His achievements as an inventor and artist solidified his legacy as a creative genius.
Fredric Arnold’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of creativity. Despite the horrors of war, he channeled his artistic abilities and mechanical skills into making a lasting impact on American culture and design. Through his inventions, inventions that have brought joy and comfort to millions, Arnold’s legacy as an artist and creator lives on.
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