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 Serving with William F. Burkley and F. Reynolds Mackie | |
Preceded by | Guy Johnson |
Personal details | |
Born | Ralph Wilson McCool October 28, 1918 Elkton, Maryland, U.S. |
Died | July 21, 2011 | (aged 92)
Resting place | Bethel Cemetery |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse |
Emma Grace McCabe (m. 1946) |
Children | 3 |
Occupation |
|
Military career | |
Service | United States Army Air Force |
Rank | Brevet colonel |
Unit | 445th Bombing Group |
Battles / wars | World War II |
Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Early life
editRalph Wilson McCool was born on October 28, 1918, in Elkton, Maryland, to Marion (née Smith) and George Washington McCool.[1]
Career
editMcCool 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
editMcCool 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
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ "Historical List, House of Delegates, Cecil County (1790-1974)". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. February 1, 2000. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
- ^ "Quinn Seen as Choice for Delegate". The Daily Times. March 30, 1957. p. 1. Retrieved July 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Smith, Odell M. (March 30, 1957). "Teacher Pay Parley Set". The Baltimore Sun. p. 19. Retrieved July 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "McCabe–McCool". The Midland Journal. December 13, 1946. p. 1. Retrieved July 11, 2023 – via Newspapers.com.