The Rotary Club of Enfield is honoring Enfield’s veterans by sponsoring military tribute banners that will be displayed in Higgins Park, the Town Green, Freshwater Walkway, North Main Street and Hazardville between Memorial Day and Veterans Day in 2026 and 2027. The Enfield Public Library partnered with Enfield Rotary to preserve digital versions of these banners as well as biographical information about each veteran.

Donald A. Cotnoir

United States Army 1954-1956

Korean War

SP3 JAG Corps

Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal

Donald Cotnoir enlisted in 1954, he enlisted in Springfield, MA, and joined the service via train from his hometown of Easthampton, MA. He was the oldest in his family, and wanted to serve his country proudly in it's time of need. It was an extremely difficult decision for him to leave his 3 other siblings, and his parent's expanding poultry farm.

He was assigned to Fort Dix, NJ for training, and then shipped to Germany. Served at the 225 Station Hospital APO 189 in Münchweiler, Germany in the SP3 JAG Corps, and was a Hospital Medical Records Specialist Clerk. Munchweiler (known for its extensive World War II underground, five-level bunker) were part of the Pirmasens military area. His base saw intensified construction to expand and secure these locations as Cold War tensions rose.

He also traveled extensively in Italy, and Germany during his service. He was discharged in 1956. He received the Occupation Medal Germany, Good Conduct Medal, and the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal.