STATEMENT FROM ARNALD D. GABRIEL, COLONEL AND CONDUCTOR EMERITUS, THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE BAND
July 11, 2019
I am making this statement to correct inaccurate information regarding my military record prior to my service in the United States Air Force.
Before my music career, I was a combat machine gunner with the United States Army. While I was a member of the famed 29th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II and served over 200 days in combat, I did not land on the beaches at Normandy in June of 1944 - I was not there for the landing. For my service in the 29th Infantry Division, I received two Bronze Star medals, both for meritorious achievement in military operations in Germany as well as the Combat Infantryman Badge.
I recall that sometime in the early 2000s, I noticed associations between my service in the 29th Infantry Division and the landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day. However, I did not know how to go about correcting this information on the internet and in print. In the following years, this error was sometimes included as part of my biography.
I regret not asking for help sooner regarding how to follow up with reporters or ensure what was said about me on social media is accurate. My biggest regret and what I am most remorseful for is not correcting the information in the book my son, Michael, wrote about my career. I have discussed this with my immediate family, and although they were unaware of this, they are supportive of my effort to correct the record at this time. While I wish I would have reached out sooner, I hope that my friends, colleagues, fellow soldiers, and military band/music community will understand that, at 94 years old, I am doing my best to set the record straight and that my legacy is 100% accurate.
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Colonel Arnald Gabriel retired from the United States Air Force in 1985 following a distinguished 36-year military career, at which time he was awarded his third Legion of Merit for his service to the United States Air Force and to music education throughout the country. He served as Commander and Conductor of the internationally renowned U.S. Air Force Band, Symphony Orchestra and Singing Sergeants from 1964 to 1985.
July 11, 2019
I am making this statement to correct inaccurate information regarding my military record prior to my service in the United States Air Force.
Before my music career, I was a combat machine gunner with the United States Army. While I was a member of the famed 29th Infantry Division in Europe during World War II and served over 200 days in combat, I did not land on the beaches at Normandy in June of 1944 - I was not there for the landing. For my service in the 29th Infantry Division, I received two Bronze Star medals, both for meritorious achievement in military operations in Germany as well as the Combat Infantryman Badge.
I recall that sometime in the early 2000s, I noticed associations between my service in the 29th Infantry Division and the landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day. However, I did not know how to go about correcting this information on the internet and in print. In the following years, this error was sometimes included as part of my biography.
I regret not asking for help sooner regarding how to follow up with reporters or ensure what was said about me on social media is accurate. My biggest regret and what I am most remorseful for is not correcting the information in the book my son, Michael, wrote about my career. I have discussed this with my immediate family, and although they were unaware of this, they are supportive of my effort to correct the record at this time. While I wish I would have reached out sooner, I hope that my friends, colleagues, fellow soldiers, and military band/music community will understand that, at 94 years old, I am doing my best to set the record straight and that my legacy is 100% accurate.
###
Colonel Arnald Gabriel retired from the United States Air Force in 1985 following a distinguished 36-year military career, at which time he was awarded his third Legion of Merit for his service to the United States Air Force and to music education throughout the country. He served as Commander and Conductor of the internationally renowned U.S. Air Force Band, Symphony Orchestra and Singing Sergeants from 1964 to 1985.