He served as a barber and an anti-tank man in the 325th Glider Infantry. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Citation, Invasion Arrow Head, six Bronze Campaign Stars, Good Conduct Medal and Silver Glider Wings. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and was active duty in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, South of France, Normandy, Holland and across the Rhine in Germany. Somewhere in Europe while cutting hair of a fellow soldier, shrapnel suddenly hit the soldier's legs (the only place it could have hit without hitting Arden). After the soldier was taken away to the hospital, Arden remarked 'I guess I'll have to finish cutting his hair when he gets out of the hospital'. While on guard duty, General Patton arrived and requested passage, but did not know the password. Arden knew who the General was, but told him they were not to admit anyone without the password. The General left and returned with the password. He commended Arden for doing the right thing.