Town Of Huntington Road Dedicated To WWII POW

A street in Huntington Station was recently dedicated to a World War II prisoner of war who called Huntington home.

Local elected officials, veterans, family and friends were in attendance for a ceremony that dedicated McKay Road as “SSgt. USAF Michael J. Colamonico Way.” The event was held at the corner of McKay Road and Beau Lane on Saturday.

From the Town of Huntington:

“Colamonico dedicated his life to his family and veterans affairs issues as an advocate for active military and veterans. Colamonico was an original member of the Huntington Veterans Advisory Board, whose current members requested the street be dedicated in his name.”

Colamonico served in the United States Air Force during World War II. His B-17 bomber plane was shot down by a German Messerschmidt fighter plane at the end of a 13-hour bombing run over France on Dec. 31, 1943. Colamonico, who was a top turret gunner, was held prisoner at the infamous Stalag 17 in Austria where he spent 17 months in captivity. He was finally liberated on May 3rd, 1945, in Braunau, Germany.

Image via TOH: In the photo: Lorraine Colamonico (center) and daughter Laura Fanzilli surrounded by Councilman Eugene Cook; Councilman Mark Cuthbertson; Supervisor Chad A. Lupinacci; Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia; Councilwoman Joan Cergol; Councilman Edmund J.M. Smyth; members of the Huntington Veterans Advisory Board after the July 17 vote dedicating McKay Road as SSgt. USAF Michael J. Colamonico Way.