Faces Bio

Victor George Mika was born on April 28, 1944. His home of record is Edison, NJ. Victor had one brother and one sister. Mika attended Edison public schools and graduated from Edison High School in 1962. Mika enjoyed playing basketball, but his ultimate passion in life was music - he was a gifted saxophone player. He practiced constantly and was a member of his high school marching band. In fact, Victor became so skilled that he was offered opportunities to play outside of his school and traveled to ballrooms and churches around his hometown to demonstrate his talents.

He continued his education at Monmouth College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Business. He completed an internship at Perth Amboy General Hospital and was also a business student at Seamen's. It was during this time that Mika met his future wife. The two were married in May 1967.

He served in the US Army and attained the rank of Second Lieutenant (2LT). Mika completed Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, GA. He arrived in Vietnam in January 1968. Mika served as a platoon leader of the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division.

On April 17, 1968, Mika was on an air-mobile mission near Coi Lay in Vietnam when the helicopter transporting him landed. He leapt down and ran to a dike for cover. However, Mika was shot in mid-sprint and died in action.

Mika was awarded numerous medals and decorations including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Vietnam Service Medal.

Mika is buried in Hopelawn, NJ.

Sources: John Fullaway (friend), Tony Perez (friend), John F. Kennedy Memorial High School and NJVVMF.