Kristi Palica was born in Michigan in 1915, grew up in Lomita with his parents and siblings where he was an outstanding local semipro baseball player. He later moved to Torrance when he was married.  Palica worked at the California Shipbuilding Corporation and the National Supply Company in Torrance before enlisting in July 1942. 

Sergeant Palica served in the 128th Infantry, 32nd Division and was in Australia and New Guinea before being sent to the Philippines in 1943. He was killed in action on Luzon (Philippines) on May 9, 1945 by a blast injury from artillery. He left behind a 4 year old daughter and is buried at the Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles. Three of his brothers were in service at the time.