Georgetown, August 7, 2025
News Summary
The Georgetown community paid tribute to First Lieutenant Charles “Woody” McCook, a WWII hero, with a full military burial ceremony. Over 100 people gathered to honor McCook, who courageously died in action during a bombing mission in Burma. The emotional event included a procession, a flyover, and 82 American flags representing the years he was missing. McCook was awarded several honors posthumously, recognizing his bravery and sacrifice during one of history’s most significant conflicts.
Georgetown, Texas honored the legacy of World War II hero First Lieutenant Charles “Woody” McCook with a full military burial ceremony on August 2, 2025. McCook, who was killed in action on August 3, 1943, was a 23-year-old pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces, serving with great distinction during one of the most pivotal conflicts in history.
The young officer died in a bombing mission over Burma, where his B-25C Mitchell bomber came under enemy fire. Despite the harrowing circumstances, McCook’s bravery enabled two of his crew members to parachute to safety before the aircraft ultimately crashed. For these courageous actions, McCook was posthumously awarded the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Purple Heart.
Initially reported as missing in action, McCook’s remains were not positively identified until April 18, 2025, following extensive forensic analysis, including DNA testing. His remains had first been exhumed in 2022 by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency from a grave identified in Burma as early as 1947.
The burial ceremony, attended by over 100 community members, veterans, and family, marked an emotional reunion after more than 80 years since McCook’s death. The Georgetown community organized the event to honor McCook’s sacrifice and bravery, featuring a procession through the town, a flyover, a 21-gun salute, and a route lined with American flags. A poignant tribute included 82 American flags, with each representing a year McCook was missing.
McCook’s family, including his niece Diane Benefiel, received honors during the ceremony. The heartfelt tribute highlighted the importance of recognizing local heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. McCook was a proud member of the 22nd Bombardment Squadron of the 341st Bombardment Group, 10th Air Force during World War II.
Witness accounts from the time of the incident indicated that McCook’s aircraft was shot down while targeting a dam and enemy barracks. Two crew members were captured by Japanese forces, while McCook and three other men tragically lost their lives in the crash-landing of the bomber. McCook is also memorialized at the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, with a rosette signifying his identification.
Local commander John McCleskey remarked on the significance of honoring service members like McCook, emphasizing the community’s commitment to recognizing their contributions and sacrifices. The ceremonies have brought closure for many, bridging the gap of lost years and honoring a true American hero.
Key Features of the Burial Ceremony
- Date of Burial: August 2, 2025
- Location: IOOF Cemetery, Georgetown, Texas
- Age at Death: 23
- Rank: First Lieutenant
- Awards: Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart
- Years Missing: 82 years
- Community Tribute: 82 American flags displayed
About Charles “Woody” McCook
- Service Branch: U.S. Army Air Forces
- Squadron: 22nd Bombardment Squadron, 341st Bombardment Group, 10th Air Force
- Incident: Killed in Action on August 3, 1943
- Initial Status: Missing in Action
- Identification Date: April 18, 2025
FAQ
- Who was Charles “Woody” McCook?
- He was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces, a World War II pilot who died on August 3, 1943, during a bombing mission over Burma.
- What honors did McCook receive posthumously?
- McCook was awarded the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Purple Heart for his bravery and service.
- When was McCook’s burial ceremony held?
- The ceremony took place on August 2, 2025, in Georgetown, Texas.
- How were McCook’s remains identified?
- His remains were identified through extensive forensic analysis, including DNA testing, after being exhumed by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
- What was demonstrated by the community during the ceremony?
- The Georgetown community displayed more than 80 American flags as a tribute to honor McCook’s years of being missing, acknowledging his sacrifice for his country.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
First Lieutenant Charles W. McCook Laid to Rest in Georgetown, Texas
Southwestern University Remembers Charles W. McCook
Additional Resources
- Hello Georgetown
- Wikipedia: Charles W. McCook
- Stars and Stripes
- Google Search: Charles W. McCook
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Scholar: Charles W. McCook
- FOX 7 Austin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charles W. McCook
- KCEN TV
- Google News: Charles W. McCook
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.
