Allegiance United States Rank Lieutenant Name Norman Cooper Died 1960, Pinellas Battles and wars World War I | Years of service 1916 - 1918 Battles/wars World War I Role Aviator Awards Military Cross | |
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Service/branch Canadian Militia, Royal Air Force Unit 3rd Canadian Division, Royal Air Force, No. 73 Squadron RAF | ||
Lieutenant Norman Cooper (October 2, 1888 in Schenectady, New York – December 1960 in Pinellas, Florida) was an American flying ace of the First World War, being accredited with six aerial victories. His real name was Ernest Sidney Tooker.
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Biography
Tooker was born in Schenectady, New York, he enlisted in Canada in 1916 under the alias Norman Cooper under the pretense of being a Canadian citizen. He initially served as a private in the 3d Canadian Division Supply Column from June 1916 until August 1917 when he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in August 1917. Deployed to France, he flew Sopwith Camels with 73 Squadron RAF in the summer of 1918. In combat he was awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross. Gazetted on 8 February 1919 for his actions during 1918, taking part in many low level bombing and strafing attacks. In air combat he attained six victories.
After the war, Tooker returned to the United States. He died in 1960 in Sarasota, Florida.