Son of William Carl Arndt and Elizabeth Franzen Arndt.

Joseph entered his military service from Iowa and was with the 47th Infantry Battalion 5th Armored Division at the time of his death. He died in Germany as a result of wounds. Although his obituary gave his death date as September 16, 1944, his military records and headstone inscription use September 18, 1944. It is probable that the obituary date was an error/typo.

Joseph was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for his service.

He was buried in the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Belgium.

Note: his obituary spoke of his rank as "Pvt.". Either at the time of his death or raised following his death his rank was Tech Grade Five (Tec5). The raising of rank following death in wartime happened fairly frequently to honor the deceased. Any clarification would be appreciated

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Fairfield Daily Ledger
Fairfield, Jefferson county, Iowa
Thursday October 12, 1944
Pg. 1 Col. 8

MEMORIAL FOR ARNDT

Memorial services will be held Monday morning at 10 a.m. in the St. Joseph's East Pleasant Plain Catholic church, for Pfc. Joseph Francis Arndt, 36, son of Mrs. William Arndt, Brighton, who died September 16 (sic. 18) of wounds received in action in Germany.

A solemn high requiem mass will be held with Rev. Paul C. Wetzsteinn pastor of the church, as Celebrant; Rev. H. M. Thoman, pastor of the local St. Mary's church, as Deacon; and Rev. C. S. Kempker, Keota, Subdeacon. The sermon will be delivered by Rev. J. J. Schoenfelder of Harper.

Participating in the procession from the rectory to the church will be members of the Altar and Rosary Societies, and the Fairfield American Legion. The Legion will furnish the Color Guard and fire the salute.

Rosary will be said Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in the home of his mother.'

Pvt. Arndt was with the first contingent of selectees to leave Fairfield on March 19, 1942. He went overseas in January '44 with an infantry unit. Before entering service he operated the farm south of Brighton for his mother.