Emery George Mikula was born on March 20, 1942 in Margaret Hague Hospital in Jersey City. He was the first born of George and Ann Mikula. He was baptized at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Jersey City and attended Our Lady of Sorrows Grammar School and St. Peter’s Prep. Mikula continued his education at Saint Peter’s College. He continued to study German, having an interest in the language that he began learning in high school. He joined the ROTC and became a member of the precision drill team Pershing Rifles. His studies in mathematics and economics led to a Bachelor of Science in Economics on June 7, 1964. At his graduation, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Army and was recognized as a distinguished military student.

Lt. Mikula was stationed in Germany for one year, where his knowledge of German found its place. He returned home from Germany before his tour in Vietnam, which began in May 1966. His unit was Headquarters and Headquarter Company, 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Before his tour in Vietnam ended, Lt. Mikula put in for another year. In the short time he was there, he led a three man civil action team, including an Army doctor from Pheue Lei to Lo Gam to save a wounded Vietnamese mother of two despite warnings of heavy Viet Cong gunfire on the road between the two villages.

On October 13, 1966, his tour tragically ended when his jeep drove over a Claymore mine. He was killed instantly at the age of 24. The official casualty report shows "Non-battle Death" as he died of wounds from multiple metal fragments from a Claymore mine. A Claymore mine is a command detonated mine that was used to protect the perimeter of U.S. bases or forward areas.

Lt. Mikula’s body was returned home and laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, N.J. He was awarded the Gallantry Cross with Palm, Bronze Star and the National Order Medal Fifth Class.

Lt. Mikula was the first Saint Peter’s alumnus to lose his life in Vietnam. Twenty years after his death, an ROTC Cadet Batallion was named in his honor, the Mikula Battalion.

Lt. Mikula’s Bronze Star citation reads: "For distinguishing himself by outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period April 28, 1966 to October 13, 1966."