Edward Micka

Lt. Edward Micka, born at Cayuga, North Dakota, 10 October 1915, enlisted in the United States Navy 19 June 1934. Appointed midshipman from the Navy at large the following year, he was commissioned ensign 1 June 1939.

Navy career
He served on USS Minneapolis (CA-36) and USS Clemson (DD-186) prior to receiving his wings as a Navy pilot and was attached to Fighting Squadron 9, onboard USS Ranger (CV-4), in November 1942. On the 8th, he led three flights in support of the initial phase of Operation Torch, the assault and occupation of Morocco. In the first two flights he led his sections against airdromes at Rabat Sale and Port Lyautey, destroying at least 17 hostile planes on the ground. During the third his section. provided direct support to ground forces by destroying several machine gun nests.

Awarded Navy Cross
Two days later he participated in the attack on the Mediouna airdrome, conducting strafing runs at low altitudes. Lieutenant Micka lost his life on the fifth run when his plane was hit by antiaircraft fire. He was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously “for extraordinary hero ism and distinguished service in action as a pilot” during Operation Torch.

Namesake
USS Micka (DE-176) was named in his honor. The ship was launched 22 August 1943, sponsored by Mrs. Edward Micka, widow of Lieutenant Micka, and commissioned 23 September 1943.