Norman Cooper (aviator)

Norman Cooper
Norman Cooper, 1918
Birth name	Ernest Sidney Tooker
Born	(1888-10-02)October 2, 1888 Schenectady, New York, United States
Died	December 1960 (aged 71–72) Pinellas, Florida
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	Canadian Militia Royal Air Force (United Kingdom)
Years of service	1916–1918
Rank	Lieutenant
Unit	3rd Canadian Division No. 73 Squadron RAF
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 of the First World War, being accredited with six aerial victories. His real name was Ernest Sidney Tooker.

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.