After nearly 80 years, Army Air Forces 1st Lt. Charles W. McCook of Georgetown, Texas, has been officially accounted for. McCook, only 23 at the time of his death during World War II, is credited with saving the life of a fellow airman before making the ultimate sacrifice. On August 27, 1944, McCook was piloting a P-51D Mustang on a mission over Romania. During the mission, another airman's plane was damaged, forcing him to bail out. McCook stayed in the area to provide cover and guide the downed airman to safety.
While protecting the vulnerable airman, McCook's plane was struck by enemy fire. He crashed and was killed. Due to the circumstances of the crash and the ongoing war, his remains were not immediately recovered. For decades, McCook was listed as missing in action. In recent years, advancements in technology and ongoing efforts by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) allowed for the recovery and identification of McCook's remains.
McCook's family has been notified of his identification, and arrangements are being made for his burial with full military honors. His story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by young Americans during World War II and the importance of honoring their service. The DPAA continues its mission to account for missing service members from past conflicts, bringing closure to families and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
WWII Hero Pilot Identified 80 Years After Sacrifice
First Lieutenant Charles W. McCook, a WWII pilot from Texas, has been officially accounted for decades after his heroic actions. McCook, just 23 years old, is credited with saving the life of a fellow airman during a mission. His remains were recently identified, bringing closure to his family after nearly 80 years. The young pilot's bravery and sacrifice will now be fully recognized.
Source: Read the original article at CBS