Skip To Main Content

Fixed Header

Landing Nav

Who is William Ralph Faria?

William Ralph Faria

January 23, 1923 - November 9, 1944

William Ralph Faria moved to Cupertino at the age of 2 with his family from Hayward where he was born on January 23, 1923.

Bill was not the typical “All-American boy.” He met and overcame many physical obstacles during his growing years. He attended Cupertino Elementary School, where he was elected student body president. Later as a member of the Fremont High School class of '41, he was a class president, member of a track team, and an outstanding scholar.

Bill was called into the United States Army Air Corps in 1943. He was trained as a bombardier and received his “wings” at Victorville Army Air Field. At this time he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant.

Ranking near the top of his class, he was scheduled for special training as a meteorologist, but the need for men in the European theater was so great that in September of 1944, he was sent to England to serve the Eighth Air Force.

After several missions over Germany, he was shot down and killed over Saarbrucken, Germany on November 9, 1944. In the last letter written to his mother, Bill wrote, "Things have gotten to be routine for us after awhile. Up very early, briefing, and then over Germany again. The operation is very routine but you live a whole lifetime with every mission…."

He was the first Cupertino World War II casualty.