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.

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joseph E. Mistretta

United States navy 1944-1946

world war ii

petty officer third class

The following is from a letter of commendation that Joseph Mistretta received on August 12, 1944.

From: Commanding Officer

To: Mistretta, Joseph Edward

Subject: Commendation for performance of duty during the Invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944, and on subsequent Return Trips during the Build Up Period.

  1. You and your shipmates participated in the original D-Day assault on the UTAH RED BEACH with TASK FORCE 125.12.2 near La Madeleine, Normandy, France and followed that by subsequent beachings on the OMAHA, JUNO and COLD beach areas.

  2. Complying with orders you unflinchingly helped disembark your ship’s cargo of troops and vehicles, while subject to enemy air artillery and mine attack.

  3. With full knowledge that we were proceeding into mined waters to stand alongside the mined and sinking U.S.S. LST 499, you stood by your stations, and your cool teamwork and cooperation with your shipmates was responsible for the saving of the lives of many sailors and Army casualties.

  4. It is with great pleasure that I commend you on your fine performance of duty which was in accord with the best traditions of the United States Naval Services.

  5. A copy of this letter will be attached to your service record.

Joshua Howell

Lieut., USNR.