Civitillo was a radio operator for the Italian Army during WWII. He was drafted into the service in Naples as were his brothers. After one month of training, he was sent to Tripoli with the Italian Army. He moved to Bardia in 1941 where he eventually was captured. Had to walk to Egypt and then eventually imprisoned in India. Italians were poorly treated by the British. He spent 40 days in Hospital and many fellow prisoners died and was imprisoned for 2 and a half years. He was then transferred to England for 2 and a half years where security was much more lapse. Came home to Italy in June of 1945. Emigrated to Canada and then the U.S. about 4 years after the War.