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.
James C. Iacolino
United States army 1941-1945
World War II
private first class
82nd airborne
silver star
distinguished service cross
James C. Iacolino served in the 504th Parachute Infantry 82nd Airborne battalion. He was awarded the SILVER STAR MEDAL for gallantry in action on September 26, 1944 near the WAAL River, HOLLAND in WW II.
Private First Class James Iacolino, volunteered to carry a vital message from the battalion commander to the lead company in the assault on the northern approaches of the bridge. With utter disregard for his own safety, he dodged from cover to cover through enemy sniper fire, small arms, and mortar fire of great intensity. He was a continuous target for the enemy, but succeeded in delivering the message and returned with the answer that instructions had been carried out.
The dogged determination and courageous devotion to duty displayed to get the instructions successfully executed because of Private Iacolino actions saved thousands of US and Allied soldiers lives.
This PFC from Thompsonville, CT was THE volunteer Private First Class whose story is reflected in the book and movie named "A BRIDGE TO FAR". US and British soldiers were trapped by the Germans and lost all radio communication capabilities, doomed to be all killed by the Germans, PFC Iacolino's brave actions got the message to US forces beyond the Germans by swimming across rivers and running to avoid enemy snipers and arms and had to return the same perilous journey back to confirm message was delivered.
PFC James Iacolino was also awarded the BRONZE CROSS (Netherlands) by Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands (Holland) which was awarded for acts of bravery against the enemy benefitting the Dutch state, only 3,501 Bronze Crosses have been awarded since June 1940.
James Iacolino was born in Thompsonville, CT to parents who emigrated from Italy (Sicily) in 1918. The parents had six sons and two daughters, Jack was the 2nd son. His older brother Charles, and younger brothers Jack, Joseph, Carlo, and John, all served in the US Army.
James Iacolino was a lifelong resident of Enfield, CT.
