Georgetown, August 8, 2025
News Summary
Georgetown, Texas, held a solemn ceremony to honor WWII hero First Lieutenant Charles “Woody” McCook, who was laid to rest with full military honors, 82 years after his death. A community procession featured a flyover and 21-gun salute, recognizing McCook’s bravery and sacrifice. Posthumously awarded multiple honors, including the Air Medal and Purple Heart, McCook’s legacy is further memorialized with the addition of his name to the Walls of the Missing.
Georgetown, TX Honors WWII Hero First Lieutenant Charles “Woody” McCook with Full Military Honors 82 Years After His Death
Georgetown, Texas, held a solemn ceremony on August 2, 2025, to honor First Lieutenant Charles “Woody” McCook, a WWII hero who was laid to rest with full military honors, 82 years after his tragic death. McCook, a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces, was killed in action during a bombing mission over Burma on August 3, 1943, at the tender age of 23. His legacy was recognized through a community-wide procession, where over 100 attendees, including family and local veterans, paid tribute to his bravery and sacrifice.
During the fateful mission, McCook’s B-25C Mitchell bomber was struck by enemy fire, leading to a crash that claimed the lives of four crew members. It was reported that McCook exhibited exceptional courage; he assisted two crew members in parachuting to safety before the aircraft collided with the ground. For these acts of valor, McCook was posthumously awarded the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Purple Heart.
Following the war, McCook was tragically listed as missing in action, and it wasn’t until 2022 that efforts to identify his remains began. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) exhumed remains discovered in 1947 in Burma and, through advanced DNA testing, confirmed McCook’s identity on April 18, 2025. This pivotal discovery allowed the community to finally bring their hero home for a proper burial.
Community Procession and Funeral Services
The tribute parade in Georgetown included a spectacular flyover and a 21-gun salute, marking the significance of McCook’s service. His funeral service was attended by family members, veterans, and community members, all there to celebrate a life of service and sacrifice. McCook’s remains were laid to rest in IOOF Cemetery, alongside his parents, with military honors provided by the U.S. Army.
The Georgetown Rotary Club contributed to the tribute by displaying 82 full-size American flags along Texas 29, symbolizing each year McCook was unaccounted for. Moreover, McCook’s name was added to the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, further solidifying his legacy and identity as a fallen hero.
Emotional Tributes and Legacy
The ceremony featured heartfelt tributes from family members. Diane Benefiel, McCook’s oldest living relative, and John McCook Jr., his nephew, reflected on the impact of his legacy, emphasizing the family’s resilience and connection to aviation, often referred to as the “Flying McCooks.” John Boyd, a survivor of the crash, praised McCook’s flying skills, asserting that he credited McCook with his survival during the harrowing incident.
Throughout his service, McCook logged over 200 hours of combat mission flights, serving in the 22nd Bombardment Squadron, 341st Bombardment Group, and 10th Air Force during World War II. His dedication to duty and the sacrifices he made for his country will long be remembered by those who honor his legacy.
Important Milestones for Charles “Woody” McCook
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 3, 1943 | Killed during a bombing mission over Burma |
| 1947 | Remains discovered in Burma |
| 2022 | DPAA exhumation and investigation began |
| April 18, 2025 | Confirmation of McCook’s identity through DNA testing |
| August 2, 2025 | McCook laid to rest with full military honors in Georgetown, TX |
FAQ Section
Who was First Lieutenant Charles “Woody” McCook?
First Lieutenant Charles “Woody” McCook was a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces who was killed in action during World War II on August 3, 1943, during a bombing mission over Burma.
What honors were awarded to McCook?
McCook was posthumously awarded the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Purple Heart for his bravery and service.
What happened to McCook’s remains?
McCook was initially listed as missing in action, and his remains were unaccounted for until their identification in April 2025 through DNA testing conducted by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
Where was McCook laid to rest?
McCook was laid to rest in IOOF Cemetery in Georgetown, Texas, on August 2, 2025, with full military honors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Georgetown Community Honors WWII Hero with Military Burial
First Lieutenant Charles W. McCook Laid to Rest in Georgetown, Texas
Southwestern University Community Honors Fallen Hero’s Return
Southwestern University Remembers Charles W. McCook
Additional Resources
- Hello Georgetown: Georgetown Honors WWII Hero
- Wikipedia: World War II
- Austin American-Statesman: WWII Pilot Coming Home
- Google Search: First Lieutenant Charles McCook
- Fox 7 Austin: WWII Pilot Charles W. McCook
- Google Scholar: Georgetown Texas WWII Pilot
- KCEN TV: WWII Pilot Identified & Buried
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Medal
- WilCo Sun: Georgetown Honors Fallen WWII Soldier
- Google News: Charles McCook WWII
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
