Arnold E. True was born in Owenton, Kentucky, on 23 January 1901. Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1920, he served in cruisers, destroyers and other ships, as well as with airships until 1929, when he began the study of Aerology and Meteorology. After receiving his Master of Science Degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1931, he practiced those disciplines in a variety of Navy positions.

Lieutenant Commander True attended the Naval War College in 1938-39 and assumed command of the new destroyer Hammann (DD-412) in August 1939. He was that ship's Commanding Officer until she was sunk on 6 June 1942, during the Battle of Midway. He commanded Destroyer Division Four in 1942-43 and then served in Navy Weather and Aerology billets. Captain True retired from active duty in December 1946 and was simultaneously advanced to Flag rank. Rear Admiral Arnold E. True died at Palo Alto, California, on 11 December 1979.