Colonel Shanon Cotta Received Legion of Merit Medal
Colonel Shanon W. Cotta was honored with the Legion of Merit Medal after completing 32 years of military service.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Awards
Colonel Shanon W. Cotta received the prestigious Legion of Merit Medal during a recent retirement ceremony. The award honors his distinguished military career spanning more than three decades.
Why it matters
The Legion of Merit is a significant military honor recognizing exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. Cotta concluded his service as the brigade commander of the 52nd Troop Command.
Colonel Cotta dedicated over 32 years of service to the United States Army. He is a father of 3 children and has historical ties to Alna and South China, Maine.
The players
Shanon W. Cotta
He is a retired United States Army Colonel who served as brigade commander of the 52nd Troop Command.
Diane Dunn
She is a Major General in the United States Army who presented the Legion of Merit Medal to Colonel Cotta.
The details
Major General Diane Dunn presented the medal to Colonel Cotta to mark his transition into retirement. This recognition follows his tenure as the brigade commander for the 52nd Troop Command.
Timeline
September 13, 2026: The award ceremony took place to honor Colonel Cotta.
The Big Picture
This award follows the standard established criteria for the Legion of Merit award protocols for long-term military service.
Residents of Maine may recognize Colonel Cotta due to his upbringing in South China and home in Alna. His retirement marks the conclusion of a lengthy career serving within the state and national military infrastructure.
The takeaway
The Legion of Merit represents a career milestone for senior officers who have shown persistent dedication over several decades. Reflecting on such service emphasizes the importance of long-term commitment within the United States Armed Forces.
Further reading
Learn more about local achievements in our Maine Awards section.
