Ralph W. McCool explained

Ralph W. McCool
State Delegate:Maryland
Term Start:March 30, 1957
Term End:1958
Birth Name:Ralph Wilson McCool
Birth Date:28 October 1918
Birth Place:Elkton, Maryland, U.S.
Resting Place:Bethel Cemetery
Children:3
Module:
Embed:yes
Rank:Brevet colonel
Awards:Distinguished Flying Cross

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.

Early life

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

Career

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

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]

Notes and References

  1. News: Ralph McCool Obituary . 2011-07-24 . legacy.com . 2023-07-11 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230711113112/https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/delawareonline/name/ralph-mccool-obituary?id=20421577 . 2023-07-11 . live.
  2. Web site: Historical List, House of Delegates, Cecil County (1790-1974) . Maryland Manual On-Line . . 2000-02-01 . 2023-07-11.
  3. News: Quinn Seen as Choice for Delegate . 1957-03-30 . The Daily Times . 1 . . 2023-07-11.
  4. News: Teacher Pay Parley Set . 1957-03-30 . Smith . Odell M. . . 19 . . 2023-07-11.
  5. News: McCabe–McCool . 1946-12-13 . . 1 . . 2023-07-11.