Thomas D. Critelli was born on August 15, 1921 in Connecticut. He resided in Fairfield County, Connecticut prior to the war. He enlisted in the Army on November 18, 1942 in Hartford, Connecticut. He was noted, at the time of his enlistment, as being employed as a meatcutter and also as Single, without dependents. Thomas served as a Private First Class, 350th Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division, U.S. Army during World War II. Thomas was "Killed In Action" near the Po Valley in Italy on October 3, 1944 at the age of 23. He is now buried in the New Saint Peter Cemetery, Danbury, Fairfield County, Connecticut, USA. His unit was cited for outstanding performance of duty in action during the period 27 September to 3 October 1944 at Mt. Battaglia, Italy against German forces. For seven days, amidst powerful counterattacks, the men of the battalion repulsed each attack with fighting ability and teamwork, therefore, their objective was accomplished.