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WILLIAM C. McCOOL
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Born September 23, 1961 in San
Diego, California. McCool received a bachelor of science degree
in applied science from the US Naval Academy, a master of
science degree in computer science from the University of
Maryland and a master of science degree in aeronautical
engineering from the US Naval Postgraduate School. McCool and
his wife, Lani, have three sons, Sean, Christopher, and Cameron. |
Commander McCool was a
test pilot, having been awarded Navy Commendation Medals (2), and Navy
Achievement Medals (2).
McCool has over 2,800 hours flight experience in 24 aircraft. As an
astronaut he was initially assigned to the Computer Support Branch and
then served as Technical Assistant to the Director of Flight Crew
Operations.
He was the pilot on STS-107 Columbia. The mission ended abruptly when
Space Shuttle Columbia and its crew perished during entry, 16 minutes
before scheduled landing.
William C. McCool made the ultimate sacrifice and lost his life in
service to the nation and the space program on February 1, 2003 at 41
years of age.
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