Ralph P. Cousins
| Ralph Pittman Cousins | |
|---|---|
Ralph P. Cousins in the 1940s
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| Born |
1 December 1891 Mexia, Texas |
| Died | 15 March 1964 (aged 72) Indio, California |
| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Los Angeles, California |
| Allegiance |
 United States
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| Service/branch |
 United States Army
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| Years of service | 1915–1946 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Service number | 0-3877 |
| Commands held | Army Air Forces Western Flying Training Command |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
| Spouse(s) | Diana Cousins (née Wilson) |
| Relations |
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| Other work |
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Ralph Pittman Cousins was an officer in the U.S. Army from 1915 to 1946. Born in Mexia, Texas in 1891, he graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1915. He served in the Cavalry before transferring to the Air Corps. He served in a variety of command position in the newly created air service of the U.S. Army and was instrumental in designing the model for what would become the commercial aviation system. His highest grade was a major general. Schools under his command trained many of the aircrews who swerved in all theaters of World War II. After retiring from the Army, he became a businessman. Cousins died in 1964. He was memorialized as an air pioneer who helped bring American air power from it beginnings to its power in World War II.
Cousins was born on 1 December 1891 in Mexia, Texas to Robert Bartow and Dora M. (Kelly) Cousins. On 14 June 1911, he began his studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He graduated on 12 June 1915 as a member of the class the stars fell on; his rank in his class is 129 of 164 and his Cullum number is 5441.
Cousins was commissioned as a second lieutenant of Cavalry on 12 June 1915. He was assigned to the 12th Cavalry in Brownsville, Texas in September 1915 and performed border patrol activities, including actions against Mexican bandits, until February 1916, when he was transferred to the 6th Cavalry. Cousins participated in the Punitive Expedition into Mexico. He was promoted to the first lieutenant of Cavalry on 1 July 1916 and was transferred to the Big Bend District, Texas later that month.
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