Anthony Catalano, a World War II veteran and member of Albertson VFW Post 5253, was honored on Tuesday as a hometown hero by Town of North Hempstead Clerk Leslie Gross.
In ceremonies at the Albertson VFW, Gross recounted Catalano’s service during World War II as a sergeant in the 70th Infantry Division of Gen. George Patton’s 3rd Army.
She also enumerated the active role the longtime Mineola resident has played as a veteran, as a member of the Albertson Post’s Color Guard and Drill Team and as parade chairman for the annual Memorial Day Parade, Veteran’s Day and the town’s September 11 observance at Clark Botanic Gardens.
“He’s really what made the fabric of the community strong,” Gross said. “We need more Tony Catalano’s in our community.”
The Albertson VFW Color Guard participates in community functions, including the Veteran’s Day ceremony for Vietnam Veterans in Eisenhower Park last fall, the Williston Park 4th of July parade. On Memorial Day, Catalano has placed flags and wreaths on soldiers’ graves.
“Memorial Day is my worst day,” Catalano said.
During ceremonies, Catalano recalled the time he served during the Battle of the Bulge, as a sergeant intent on keeping his men warm and alive.
“I used to wake them up every two hours,” Catalano said.
He said he would tell his men to shake their hands, move their feet. He also told his men to fill their canteens with snow so they would have water to drink as it melted.
He recalled one kid from Brooklyn shivering in the Ardennes forest and seeking an extreme solution to his situation.
“This kid from Brooklyn was shaking. He said, ‘Sarge do me a favor. Shoot me in the foot so I can go back’,” he recalled.
He told the soldier there was no transportation available to take him to a medical aid station. So he said if he shot him in the foot, he would probably bleed to death.
After trying to calm the soldier, he did the only other thing he could think of doing to help him.
“I took my coat off and gave it to him,” Catalano said.
He’s been an active member of the Herricks Leisure Club for the past 12 years, and more than one member of the club praised his efforts.
“When you need anything, people tell you, ‘Go see Tony’,” one leisure club member said.
Catalano thanked everyone for their kind words. But he sounded a little uncomfortable with the “hero” moniker, saying, “The real heroes are the ones that didn’t come home with me.”
Reach reporter Richard Tedesco by e-mail at rtedesco@theislandnow.com or by phone at 516.307.1045 x204. Also follow us on Twitter @theislandnow1 and Facebook at facebook.com/theislandnow.
