Donald R. Witmer earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal (1st OLC), and Air Medal. Following his 1969-1970 military service, he served his hometown as a Massillon City police officer from 1974 to 2012, retiring with the rank of lieutenant. His loyalty to the men and women who served in Vietnam and his endless passion for maintaining the memory of the missing and the fallen drove the creation of Massillon's Vietnam Veterans Memorial. That tribute sparked the rejuvenation of the town's Veterans Memorial Park and helped fellow veterans make peace with themselves, their community, and the war. His research and perseverance led to publication of the book, Not to Be Forgotten, Stark County's record of the sacrifices its military personnel made during the Vietnam War. His vision and advocacy guided the community toward respect and gratitude for veterans of the Vietnam era and all American military men and women.