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Sergeant Ed Arthur is the focus of a new exhibit provided in partnership with the Motts Military Museum of Groveport, Ohio.  The Flags of Honor exhibit series will shine a light on the service of Ohio’s fighting men and women. Located in the south light court of the capitol, the display will feature uniforms and equipment of these individuals. Also featured prominently are American and Ohio flags that belonged to these veterans during their service. 

Officially beginning on Veterans Day (November 11, 2025), the first exhibit in the series will feature Edward I. Arthur of Lancaster, Ohio. Edward served in the US Army, 1/9 B and D Troops during the Vietnam War in 1966, 1967, and 1970. He earned two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star with Valor and five Air Medals, one with a “V” device. His Air Medal with “V” Device citation reads:

“Specialist Four Edward Arthur distinguished himself by heroism in action on 11 May 1967, while serving as an aerial observer and gunner with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry during a combat aerial reconnaissance mission near Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam. When his observation helicopter flew over a large force of heavily armed Viet Cong and began to receive intense automatic weapons fire, Specialist Arthur immediately returned the fire and denied the enemy access to a heavily fortified area. When armed helicopters arrived on station, Specialist Arthur, with complete disregard for his own safety, dropped smoke grenades to mark the location of the fleeing enemy. As a result of his effective fire on the enemy and his identification of their positions, 32 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army soldiers were killed and 11 weapons, a radio, and numerous documents and medical supplies were captured. Specialist Arthur’s personal bravery and devotion to duty under intense hostile fire are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.”  -The Ohio Military Hall of Fame

Edward I. Arthur (1935-2015) was born in Columbus and began his military career at age 13 with the Ohio National Guard. He was with CIA forces in Cuba. Arthur joined the U.S. Army more than once and served during the Vietnam War. Later he worked in law enforcement, the ATF and the FBI. He passed away in 2015.