Higareda’s short life began in February 1924, when he was born in Galesburg, Illinois, to Manuel and Mary Higareda, who were from Mexico. Lupe came from a large family with eight siblings. He went to Galesburg High School and had the nickname “PeeWee.” He registered for the draft on February 6, 1943, in Knox County. He was a junior in high school at that time and worked Saturdays as a laborer. Shortly after, he was serving with the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Seaman, 2nd Class.
On August 2, 1944, Lupe was serving on the ship U.S.S. Fiske (DE 143), that was part of the hunter-killer Task Group 22.63. The group was called on to investigate a visual contact with a German U-boat. The submarine dove and fired three torpedoes on the approaching warships. The first missed, but after three minutes the second hit the Fiske on her starboard side amidships. The Fiske broke in half after ten minutes, with both parts drifting apart and eventually sinking vertically about 800 nautical miles east of Cape Race, Newfoundland. 
Thirty-three crew members were lost, including Lupe. His body was never recovered. The survivors, among them the commander and fifty wounded men, were picked up by the destroyer escort U.S.S. Farquhar (DE 139) and taken to Newfoundland for medical attention. The U.S.S. Fiske received one battle star for her service.
The loss of the Fiske raised to 175 the number of American warships lost since the war began, including 134 sunk, 32 listed as overdue and presumed lost, and 9 destroyed to prevent capture by the enemy.
Seaman Higareda appears on Tablets of the East Coast Memorial New York City, Tablets of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England, and has a cenotaph memorial at the Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island, Illinois. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and is officially considered buried at sea.


Rock Island National Cemetery

Galesburg High School, 1943. Lupe Higareda, 4th top row from left to right.  The club placed special emphasis on information concerning military services.

  
    Rest in peace LUPE HIGAREDA
Feb 4, 1924 - Aug 2, 1944

 for you have done your duty.

Mr Higareda, We honor your brave service and ultimate sacrifice for our country. Your selflessness and dedication to protecting our freedom will never be forgotten. As a Seaman, 2nd Class in the U.S. Navy Reserve, you served with honor and courage. We express our deepest gratitude for your sacrifice and extend condolences to your family and loved ones. Your legacy lives on as you are remembered forever. Muchas gracias por sus sacrificios y que descanse en paz con sus padres. 

LUPE HIGAREDA

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