WWII Veteran Dominick Critelli, 104, Delights Fans with Saxophone Performance at Islanders-Rangers Game

A heartwarming moment unfolded at the UBS Arena on Saturday, December 27, as 104-year-old World War II veteran Dominick Critelli took the stage to play the US national anthem on his saxophone. The crowd was captivated by the rendition, with Islanders and Rangers fans singing along in unison. Critelli's performance was met with thunderous applause, and the crowd began chanting 'USA!' in tribute to the military veteran. Critelli, a true American hero, was born in 1921 and served in the US military during World War II. He spent 151 days in combat, surviving the infamous Battle of the Bulge, where he flew behind enemy lines to provide crucial supplies to isolated American troops. This daring feat earned him the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the American Theater Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal. As an aircraft mechanic with the 95th Infantry Division Headquarters Battery, Critelli played a vital role in keeping his unit's aircraft flying, enabling them to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. During the Battle of the Bulge, Critelli's unit, led by General Patton, embarked on a daring rescue mission, racing 100 miles with 200,000 men and less than 250 tanks to save 80,000 encircled American troops in Bastogne. Critelli's bravery and selflessness were on full display when he volunteered to fly behind enemy lines in small two-passenger observation aircraft to drop supplies to isolated American troops. Over a four-day period, he participated in 14 resupply missions, braving icy conditions and enemy fire. His heroic actions earned him the Air Medal, and his selfless service will forever be remembered as a testament to the courage and dedication of American veterans like Dominick Critelli.