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.
ernie Maynard
United States army 1943-1952
world war II
staff sergeant
belgian fourragere
ambassador for peace medal
Ernest (Ernie) A. Maynard of Enfield, was born in March 1924, in the Scitico section of Enfield, son of Patrick and Laura Maynard. Ernest was a lifelong resident of Enfield and educated in the Enfield School System.
Ernie honorably served his country in the U.S. Army from 1943–1952, both active duty and reserve, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He proudly served under General Patton’s Third Army and General Harmon’s 2nd Armored Division during World War II. His service included campaigns across Europe and Korea, and he was the recipient of numerous awards and commendations, including the American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon with four Bronze Campaign Stars, Presidential Unit Emblem, World War II Victory Medal, Belgian Fourragère (Ardennes Campaign, Battle of the Bulge), Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Campaign Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Expert Badge Bars for Rifle and Pistol.
Deeply involved in his community, Ernie gave his time and talents as a firefighter and commissioner for the Hazardville Volunteer Fire Department earning him Firefighter of the Year in 1957 and Unsung Hero Firefighter in1958, as a Boy Scout Leader for Troop #93, a committee member for St. Bernard’s new church building fund, and as a charter member of St. Bernard’s Holy Name Society. He later volunteered with the Enfield Senior Center, Enfield Visiting Nurse Association (now Home & Community Health Services), and was an active member of many organizations including the Enfield Historical Society, Riverbend Club Monsanto Group, Post #1 Korean War Veterans of America, American Legion Post #80 of Enfield, and Amvets Post #18 of Enfield.. He was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award. In 2005, Ernie was named Patriot of the Year by the Town of Enfield.
Above all, Ernie cherished his family. He was married to Jacqueline and they had two sons, Wayne F. Maynard and Martin A. Maynard.
