Story Behind Duluth's Medal Of Honor Veterans Park

I've driven by this Veterans Memorial countless times, and I didn't even realize it. In West Duluth, there's a road named Mike Colalillo Drive. It's a short stretch of road that connects 46th Avenue West to Central Avenue in Denfeld. It's named after a Congressional Medal of Honor winner from Duluth.

I was broadcasting at the Menard's parking lot for the food truck sale when I noticed the memorial for the first time. It's tucked in the tall pine trees on the Corner ofo MIke Colalillo Dr and Wadena Street.

Mike Colalillo

The memorial sits under the American Flag and the POW flag. On each side, there are two concrete benches and flower beds that have recently been planted.

The memorial reads:

Recipient Congressional Medal Of Honor. on behalf of the citizens of Duluth and area, we offer our thanks and personal pride in your contribution to freedom.

Mike Colalillio - Minnesota War Hero

Mike Colalillio was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery while fighting a battle in World War II in Germany. He and his fellow troops were pinned down by heavy artillery fire and machine gun fire in a bitter battle. The incoming fire was so intense that any movement was hazardous. He stood up, rallied his troops, and advanced, firing his machine pistol.

Others followed his lead. When his pistol jammed, he climbed aboard a friendly tank. While exposed to enemy fire with bullets rattling around him, he fired the machine gun and took out 10 German soldiers and a machine gun nest.

But it doesn't stop there. Once the machine gun eventually jammed aboard the tank, he grabbed a submachine gun from the tank crew and continued his assault on foot.

Get our free mobile app

Eventually, the tanks ran out of armor, so a withdrawal was ordered. Colalillio stayed behind to help a wounded soldier, whom he dragged back over 200 yards to safety.

At the end of the battle, it's estimated that Colalillo dispatched over 25 enemy soldiers. He was awarded the Congressional Medal Of Honor by President Harry S. Truman on December 18, 1945.