Ralph Wilson McCool (October 28, 1918 – July 21, 2011) was an American politician and military pilot from Maryland. He served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Cecil County, from 1957 to 1958.

Ralph W. McCool
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
from the Cecil County district
In office
March 30, 1957 – 1958
Preceded byGuy Johnson
Personal details
Born
Ralph Wilson McCool

(1918-10-28)October 28, 1918
Elkton, Maryland, U.S.
DiedJuly 21, 2011(2011-07-21) (aged 92)
Resting placeBethel Cemetery
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
Emma Grace McCabe
(m. 1946)
Children3
Occupation
  • Politician
  • military pilot
Military career
Service / branchUnited States Army Air Force
RankBrevet colonel
Unit445th Bombing Group
Battles / warsWorld War II
AwardsDistinguished Flying Cross

Early life

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Ralph Wilson McCool was born on October 28, 1918, in Elkton, Maryland, to Marion (née Smith) and George Washington McCool.[1]

Career

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McCool served with the 445th Bombing Group during World War II. He flew the Consolidated B-24 Liberator. He flew over 35 missions over Germany. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross following his 25th mission. He was a member of the Maryland National Guard 29th Division Association and retired with the rank of brevet colonel.[1]

McCool was a Democrat. He was appointed to replace Guy Johnson as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Cecil County. He served from March 30, 1957, to 1958.[2][3][4] He served on the Ways and Means committee.[1]

McCool worked at Maryland State Lottery.[1]

Personal life

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McCool flew as a hobby after the war. In his 80s, McCool made tandem jumps from 14,000 feet, gaining him a reputation with the United States Parachute Association. One of his jumps was televised on the Outdoor Channel.[1]

McCool married Emma Grace McCabe in 1946.[1][5] They had three sons, Geoffrey Edward, Ralph Wilson II and Findlay McCabe.[1] Later in life, McCool lived in Leeds.[1]

McCool died on July 21, 2011. He was buried at Bethel Cemetery.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Ralph McCool Obituary". legacy.com. July 24, 2011. Archived from the original on July 11, 2023. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
  2. ^ "Historical List, House of Delegates, Cecil County (1790-1974)". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. February 1, 2000. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
  3. ^ "Quinn Seen as Choice for Delegate". The Daily Times. March 30, 1957. p. 1. Retrieved July 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  4. ^ Smith, Odell M. (March 30, 1957). "Teacher Pay Parley Set". The Baltimore Sun. p. 19. Retrieved July 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com. 
  5. ^ "McCabe–McCool". The Midland Journal. December 13, 1946. p. 1. Retrieved July 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.