MICHAEL “MIKE” COLALILLO

Michael “Mike” Colalillo, 86, of Duluth, the last Medal of Honor recipient of Minnesota, passed away Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, in Ecumen Bayshore Care Center.

Mike was born Dec. 1, 1925, in Hibbing, the son of Carlo and Victoria (Jannone) Colalillo. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during combat. He returned to Duluth and was employed by Interlake Iron Works Company. Mike retired from the Port Authority as a long shoreman He married Lina Nissila on Nov. 16, 1945, in Duluth. They made their home in the west end of Duluth for many years.

Mike was a member of the Medal of Honor Society, Duluth Hall of Fame, a life member of the American Legion and V.F.W., Disabled American Veterans, Raleigh Breakfast Club, and the Italian-American Club. He also coached youth hockey with Bob Watt.

He enjoyed fishing, having lunch with the guys on Fridays, and traveling with Lina to Medal of Honor Conventions. He received one Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and a French Campaign Ribbon.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Ecumen Bayshore and Senior Friends for their excellent care and concern for Mike these past months.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Lina; daughter Joann; brother Patrick; and sisters Carmella, Concetta, Nikki, and Mary.

Mike is survived by his son, Al (Terry) Colalillo of Hayward; daughter Michele (Rodger) Schneeberger of Meadowlands; two grandsons, Mike A. Colalillo and Nick Bakken; and three great-grandchildren, Michael Colalillo II, Daijia and Dilin Bakken; brother Albert Colalillo of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; and sisters Jennie Price of Duluth and Grace Otterson of Cloquet.

Mike was a great husband, father, and grandfather.

VISITATION: 3-7 p.m. with prayers at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, in Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. Second St., Duluth. Visitation continues at 10 until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, Jan. 7, in St. James Catholic Church, 721 N. 57th Ave. W., Duluth. Burial at Forest Hill Cemetery with full Military Honors by the Minnesota Army National Guard Honor Guard.

Memorials preferred to the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, 5209 Ramsey St., Duluth MN 55807.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home (218) 727-3555.

Medal of Honor Recipient Mike Colalillo Passes Away at 86

PUBLISHED FRIDAY, DEC. 30, 2011

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., Dec. 30, 2011 -- Earned Nation's Highest Award for Valor during World War II

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C., Dec. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Congressional Medal of Honor Society announces that Mike Colalillo, Medal of Honor recipient, passed away Friday, December 30, 2011, in Duluth, Minnesota at age 86.

He was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman at a ceremony at the White House on December 18, 1945.  His heroic action occurred near Untergriesheim, Germany on April 7, 1945.  Private First Class Colalillo served as a rifleman in the Second Squad, Second Platoon, Company C, First Battalion, 398th Infantry, 100th Infantry Division.

He displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action.  While he and his company were pinned down under heavy enemy fire, he stood up, shouted to the company to follow, and ran forward in the wake of a supporting tank, firing his machine pistol. Inspired by his example, his comrades advanced in the face of savage enemy fire.  He continued to fight and advance against the enemy, using all means of force at his disposal. He then remained behind to help a seriously wounded comrade.

Funeral services are pending. There are 84 recipients alive today.

About the Congressional Medal of Honor Society

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society was chartered by Congress in 1958 and consists exclusively of the living recipients of our nation's highest award for bravery in combat, the Medal of Honor. Those who wear this light blue ribbon and Medal around their neck are "recipients" of this prestigious award; they are not "winners." Although it is common to refer to the Medal as the Congressional Medal of Honor, it is simply named the Medal of Honor, although, as stated, the Congress did establish the Society as the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

Contact: Victoria Kueck843-884-8862medalhq@earthlink.net

SOURCE Congressional Medal of Honor Society