Major Arthur Lee Minnefield was commissioned as an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School class 002-65 at Fort Benning, Georgia on 15 February, 1965. His first duty assignment was as a Platoon Leader, Troop E, 17th Cavalry, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vietnam.

His subsequent duty assignments were: Company Commander, Training Brigade, Fort Knox, Kentucky; Commander, Company C, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Vietnam; Operations Officer, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Vietnam; and Instructor, Reserve Officer Training Corps, University of Texas A&M. His last duty assignment was served in 3rd Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany.

His military education consists of: Jump School, Officer Candidate School, and Advanced Armor Officer School.

His highest military awards include: Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device (3rd Award), Bronze Star Medal (4th Award), Purple Heart (2nd Award), Air Medal (4th Award, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device, and Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award).

Major Minnefield continued to serve his local community of Anderson, Indiana after military service as: Chairman of the Safety Board, Mayor’s Assistant for Community Affairs, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Madison County United Way, and governor appointment to the Council of the Sagamores of the Wabash because of his service on the State Job Training Council.