Obituary: Columbo Crescenzi, Decorated World War II Veteran, Leader in Prospect Heights War Memorial

Columbo E. Crescenzi, WWII survivor was called home to his heavenly father on Jan. 22, 2014 after a long struggle with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Diabetes. 
He was born on Columbus Day October 12, 1923 and lived in Milford all of his life. 
Son of the late Antonio and Carmella (DiNardo) Crescenzi. Brother of the late Adam, Amelia and Fred Crescenzi. He was raised in Prospect Heights. 
Inducted into the arm services on April 19, 1943, he fought in five battles: Naples, Foggia, Rome, Argo, Southern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He joined the third infantry division on the front lines at Cassino Italy. He was on the front lines at Cassino when General Dwight Eisenhower gave order to the U.S Air force to bomb the Cassino Monastery because the Germans used it as a defense line. Five-hundred planes took part in the raid which destroyed the monastery. During the war he was promoted from 1st class private to Sergeant on the field. He received the good conduct medal, Bronze Star Medal, Victory Medal, European Africa Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon w/ bronze arrowhead. Distinguished unit badge, CO 44-45 Croix De Guerre ribbon w/palm from the French Army and French Government. 
Columbo was also the initial factor for establishing the WWII Veterans Memorial located at the Prospect Heights Park.
At his 90th birthday he was honored by Congressman Joseph Kennedy, Sen. Richard Moore, State Rep. John Fernandes and State Rep. Kevin Kuros. On that day Sgt. Crescenzi received resolutions for his above service and a good citizenship for his work on the WWII memorial at Prospect Heights.