William Farrell, 81; Marine Combat Pilot in Three Wars

William Farrell, 81, a Marine Corps fighter pilot who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, died Dec. 12 at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo of complications from a fall.

Farrell was born in New Jersey, but his parents moved to Los Angeles the next year when he developed double pneumonia and doctors recommended a warm, dry climate.

He entered military flight school at age 20 and, on graduation two years later, he was stationed at Okinawa, Japan. Soon after he arrived, Farrell was flying a security mission with three other pilots when they encountered 39 Japanese aircraft. In the ensuing battle, 17 Japanese planes were shot down.

Farrell and his wing leader were credited with downing a total of nine, which earned them the status of ace -- the title given to pilots who incapacitate at least five planes in aerial combat. Both pilots also were awarded the Navy Cross.

In the Korean conflict, Farrell most often flew night missions, and in Vietnam, he supplied air support for ground troops. With close to 400 combat missions to his credit, he retired from military service in 1974.

For the next 20 years, Farrell worked as a substitute teacher in the Tustin School District.