Dominick Critelli

Prepared by the Witnesses of War team

Dominick Critelli was born on 8 April 1921 in Tiriolo, Calabria, Italy. At eight, he emigrated with his family to the United States, arriving through Ellis Island. He grew up in New York and began playing music at thirteen—a passion that would accompany him throughout his military service and civilian life.

Critelli served in the United States Army from 28 October 1942 to 21 November 1945, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. Assigned to the 95th Infantry Division’s artillery aviation organization, he worked as an aircraft mechanic, maintaining the small Piper Cub observation aircraft used to locate enemy troops, artillery positions and supply routes. His responsibilities helped keep these vulnerable aircraft operating close to the front.

In November 1944, American troops became isolated at the Uckange bridgehead in France. Critelli volunteered to fly as a crew member on fourteen resupply missions over four days, dropping urgently needed supplies, including blood plasma and blankets, to the stranded soldiers. Flying at extremely low altitude, his aircraft sustained numerous bullet holes in its fabric wings. His actions earned him the Air Medal. During the German winter offensive the following month, his division held positions around Saarlautern, protecting the southern flank while other Third Army formations moved north toward Bastogne. Critelli accumulated 151 days in combat.

After returning home, Critelli pursued higher education and worked as a teacher and building contractor, settling in Floral Park, Long Island. Music remained central to his life through his Sound of Music Orchestra. In 2024, he returned to Normandy and received France’s Legion of Honor in recognition of his wartime service. He continued performing beyond his hundredth birthday, playing the American national anthem on his saxophone before thousands of hockey fans at UBS Arena.