heliodor píka was born on july 3,1897 in štítina near opava. his father was ignác píka, who was a wheelwright. in 1915 he graduated from the gymnasium in opava. originally, he wanted to study pharmacy. in 1916 he was sent to the galician front. on july 28, 1916, he was captured by russian units in berestechko. later he joined czechoslovakian legion.