Cooper, Lamberton

Lamberton Cooper

Early Life

Lamberton Cooper was born on February 16, 1900, in Stuttgart, Germany, the son of Henry Woodward Cooper and Emily Erving Cooper. He immigrated to the United States as a young child and was raised in Rye, New York, where his family resided on Highland Road. His upbringing reflects the experience of many immigrant families who established new lives in Westchester County during the early twentieth century.

At the turn of the century, Rye was developing into a suburban community closely connected to New York City, drawing residents from a variety of backgrounds. Within this setting, Cooper grew up in a town that blended long-established families with newly arrived immigrants, shaping a community defined by both tradition and change.

World War I Service

Cooper entered military service on April 11, 1917, through the United States Naval Reserve Force in New York, becoming one of the early volunteers from Rye to serve during World War I.

He initially served with Headquarters, 3rd Naval District in New York before being assigned to the USS SC-81, a submarine chaser engaged in anti-submarine and patrol operations. These small, fast vessels were specifically designed to detect and pursue German U-boats, playing a critical role in protecting Allied shipping and maintaining control of key maritime routes.

During the war, SC-81 was deployed overseas to France, where it operated from the important Allied naval base at Villefranche-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean coast. From this station, submarine chasers conducted patrols, escorted vessels, and supported anti-submarine operations in the western Mediterranean, a region vital to maintaining supply lines between France, Italy, and other Allied fronts.

Cooper served aboard SC-81 from 1917 through the end of the war, participating in patrol and escort duties both in American waters and overseas. Over the course of his service, he advanced from Seaman Second Class to Coxswain and ultimately to Boatswain’s Mate Second Class, reflecting increased responsibility in navigation, seamanship, and vessel operations under wartime conditions.

His active service extended from May 28, 1917, through November 11, 1918, the date of the Armistice. He remained in service following the war during the demobilization period and was honorably discharged on August 1, 1919, at Charleston, South Carolina, after a period of inactive duty with the 6th Naval District.

Life After Service

Following the war, Cooper relocated to California, where he became a long-time resident of San Diego County. He joined the San Diego Police Department and served as a police officer until his retirement in 1930 due to a disability.

He remained active in veterans’ and fraternal organizations, including long-standing membership in the American Legion and participation in Masonic lodge activities, maintaining strong ties to both his military service and community life.

Cooper later resided in Vista, California, where he continued to be part of the local community.

Lamberton “Bert” Cooper died on April 24, 1959, while visiting Honolulu, Hawaii, at the age of 59. He was subsequently buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Elsie; his children; and a brother.