Ralph P. Cousins
Ralph Pittman Cousins | |
|---|---|
Ralph P. Cousins in the 1940s | |
| Born | 1 December 1891 Mexia, Texas |
| Died | 15 March 1964 (aged 72) Indio, California |
| Buried | Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Los Angeles |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1915–1946 |
| Rank | Major general |
| Service number | 0-3877 |
| Commands | Western Flying Training Command Clark Field Chanute Field Payne Field |
| Battles / wars | Mexican Border War World War I World War II |
| Awards | Army Distinguished Service Medal |
| Spouse(s) | Diana Cousins (née Wilson) |
| Other work | Vice President and Secretary, Founders' Insurance Company President, Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners |
Ralph Pittman Cousins (1 December 1891 – 15 March 1964) was a United States Army major general Born in Mexia, Texas, he graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1915. He served in the Cavalry before transferring to the United States Army Air Corps. He served in a variety of command positions in the newly created air service of the United States Army and was instrumental in designing the model for what would become the commercial aviation system. Schools under his command trained many of the aircrews who served in all theaters of World War II. After retiring from the army, he became a businessman. Cousins died in 1964 and he was memorialized as an air pioneer who helped bring American air power from it beginnings to its power in World War II.