Norman Cooper (aviator)
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Norman Cooper
(Birth name: Ernest Sidney Tooker) |
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Norman Cooper, 1918
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| Born | Unknown Schenectady, New York, USA |
| Died | Unknown Pinellas, Florida |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
Canadian Militia Royal Air Force (United Kingdom) |
| Years of service | 1916 - 1918 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | 3rd Canadian Division Royal Air Force |
| Battles/wars |  World War I |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Lieutenant Norman Cooper (October 2, 1888 in Schenectady, New York – December 1960 in Pinellas, Florida) was an American flying ace, being accredited with six aerial victories in World War I. His real name was Ernest Sidney Tooker.[1]
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.[1] 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 Flyintg 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.
Honors and awards
- Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom) Supplement to the London Gazette, 8 February 1919
- A Fearless and skillful airman who has destroyed two enemy aircraft and driven down three other out of control. On 3 October, certain of our troops were held up by a body of the enemy. Observing this, Lt. Cooper dived and engaged them, driving them out of their trenches with machine-gun fire, and so enabled our troops to advance
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