Faucett, Ralph Eugene M.D., Rear Admiral USN (Ret) 07/28/1916 ~ 01/17/2014 SAN DIEGO -- Dr. Ralph Faucett died peacefully at home in his sleep. He was 97 years old, a retired Navy physician, decorated Rear Admiral-Upper Level and a beloved husband, friend and gentleman. Ralph Faucett was born on July 28, 1916 to Mr. and Mrs. Clark W. Faucett in a country farm near Milton, Indiana. He received his M.D. Degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1942. While at Indiana University, he met a "stunningly beautiful young lady", marrying Elizabeth C. Carpenter in 1941. Their romance lasted 65 years ending with Betty's death in 2005. Dr. Faucett married Joan L. Bowman in 2007. Ralph and Joan enjoyed world travel adventures and shared many close friendships and quiet evenings at home. Ralph is survived by his treasured wife, Joan, Joan's two sons and grandchildren and their numerous nieces and nephews. Dr. Faucett's Navy career began in medical school as an Ensign in the volunteer medical corps in 1942. He served with the 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division as surgeon during the Marianas and Okinawan Island campaigns and in the Occupation of Japan. Returning to the U.S. in 1946, Dr. Faucett completed residency training in internal medicine at Naval Hospital, San Diego. He served as Director of Submarine Medicine, US Naval Medical Research Laboratory, Groton, CT, and in 1953, assumed the post of Commanding Officer of "Operation Hideout" a controlled medical study to predict, evaluate and treat responses to prolonged submersion that would be encountered by the Navy's nuclear submarine force during the Cold War. He was Chief of Medicine, Naval Hospital, Yokosuka, Japan and Medical Advisor to the American Ambassador to Japan from 1962 to 1965. He helped establish an internship program for Japanese physicians to learn western medical practices. He was revered by those interns and their students who were in touch with Dr. Faucett until weeks before his death. From 1965 to 1967 Dr. Faucett served as Executive Officer, then Commanding Officer, Naval Hospital, St. Albans, NY. He became Rear Admiral in 1969 and was designated Asst. Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery for Medical Research and Military Medical Specialties. In 1972, he assumed command of Naval Hospital, Oakland, CA and, in 1973, assumed command of the newly organized Oakland Naval Regional Medical Center. He retired from active duty on June 30, 1974 as Rear Admiral- Upper Half and continued his medical service as a consultant to the California Department of Health. Ralph will be missed by his wife, his family and his many friends in San Diego and around the world. He was a wonderful husband, uncle, friend and neighbor to all- a gentleman, a fine physician, a raconteur and a patriot.
