RALPH "HOSS" COSGROVE

Real Name: Private Ralph Cosgrove

Identity/Class: Human (World War II era)

Occupation: Soldier, former professional wrestler

Group Membership: Deadly Dozen

Affiliations: Sam Sawyer

Enemies: Nazis

Known Relatives: Unnamed ex-wife

Aliases: None

Base of Operations: Able Company base, England
formerly, Los Angeles, California

First Appearance: Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos#98 (May, 1972)

Powers/Abilities: Ralph Cosgrove was once a professional wrestler, and could hold his own against a multitude of opponents in unarmed combat. He also carried a rifle.

History: (Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos#98 (fb) - BTS) - Ralph Cosgrove was sent to prison for assaulting an officer. Captain Sam Sawyer decided to use him as a member of the Deadly Dozen squadron.

(Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos#98) - Cosgrove was introduced to Timothy "Dum-Dum" Dugan, who was to be the leader of the Deadly Dozen. As Dugan began to train the Deadly Dozen in self-defense, he issued a wrestling challenge, which Cosgrove accepted. Cosgrove thought that he could easily best Dugan, but Dugan proved to be the superior fighter, and bested him.

Cosgrove joined the Deadly Dozen for their first mission: to capture a band of German spies who had landed on English soil. Instructed not to kill with their weapons, Cosgrove fought with his hands instead, and bested a half dozen Germans with his wrestling moves.

(Combat Kelly and the Deadly Dozen#1 (fb)) - Ralph Cosgrove was introduced to the Deadly Dozen's new leader, Combat Kelly, and told him up front that he wouldn't do anything he didn't have to. Captain Sawyer finally decided that Cosgrove wouldn't work out, and released him from the Deadly Dozen.

Comments: Created by Gary Friedrich, Dick Ayers and Mike Esposito.

The sudden removal of Cosgrove before the Deadly Dozen had even really begun is jarring, suggesting that Friedrich was making a lot of last-minute changes. Of course, it also means that Cosgrove is one of the few members of the Deadly Dozen to survive the series.

by Prime Eternal

CLARIFICATIONS:
Ralph Cosgrove should not be confused with:

• Cosgrove, senior accountant for Delazny Studios, @ Ghost Rider II#14
• Cosgrove, bigot, encountered Silver Surfer, @ Silver Surfer hardcover

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