Colonel Harry L. Cooper (1870–1935)

Colonel Harry L. Cooper was a distinguished officer of the United States Army whose military career spanned over four decades of transformational American history. Born in Philadelphia and educated at the University of Pennsylvania, Cooper began his service in 1889 as a private in the Pennsylvania National Guard before earning his commission.

His extensive service saw him deployed across the globe during the height of the United States' emergence as a world power. He served in the Porto Rico Battalion, the Philippines during the Philippine–American War, Cuba during the Cuban Pacification, and Mexico during the Pancho Villa Expedition. By 1913, he had earned a reputation as a premier tactician, commanding Company "L" of the 28th Infantry, which was widely regarded as the regiment's "crack" unit.

During World War I, Colonel Cooper played a pivotal role in modernizing American military doctrine. As the Commandant of the 2nd Corps Schools in Châtillon, France, he was responsible for training thousands of officers and NCOs in the specialized tactics of modern mechanized warfare. His leadership was instrumental in transitioning the American Expeditionary Forces from traditional pack-animal tactics to the high-efficiency standards required on European battlefields.

For his "exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services," he was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal. Today, his legacy continues through the Colonel Harry L. Cooper VFW Post #160 in Glen Burnie, Maryland, named in his honor. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery alongside his wife, Harriet.