William Nelson Cooper was born 27 March 1891 in Anderson County, Tennessee. He died at the age 26. He is interred at the Somme American Cemetery, Bony, France (C,6,10 ).
William Nelson Cooper volunteered his services for military duty in June 1917. His organization was Company L, 119th Infantry, 30th Division, stationed at Camp Sevier, SC. Embarked for France in May 1918 and took part in all battles of his unit until October 11, on which date he was killed. Held the rank of corporal.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross Posthumously to Private William N. Cooper ASN 1316775, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company L, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division, A.E.F., near St. Souplet, France, 10 October 1918. Private Cooper left shelter to advance under heavy machine-gun fire, and rescued a wounded soldier, carrying him back to safety. He was killed in action the following day. War Department, General Orders 87 1919
- Rank: Corporal
- Date of birth: 27 March 1891
- Date of death: 11 October 1918
- County: Knox
- Hometown: Knoxville
- Service Branch: Army
- Division/Assignment: Company L, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division
- Theater: Europe
- Conflict: World War I
- Awards: Distinguished Service Cross
- Burial/Memorial Location: Somme American Cemetery, Bony, France
- Location In Memorial: Pillar IV, Top Panel
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