Nitka thought American troops belonged in Vietnam despite his many narrow escapes with death in combat. Born in Germany, his family moved to Philadelphia when he was 13months old. A 1965 Northeast Catholic High School graduate, Nitka attended Temple University briefly and enlisted in the Army in July 1966. The 20-year-old staff sergeant, a squad leader, was ordered to Vietnam in December 1967 and assigned to Company A of the 2nd Battalion, 501st infantry, 101st Airborne Division. He died on April 6, 1968. Survivors included his parents and three sisters.