Milton William 'Bill' Cooper (born May 6, 1943, in Long Beach, California) was an American conspiracy theorist, author, and radio broadcaster who gained prominence in the late 20th century. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War era as a petty officer on submarines and river patrol boats, experiences he later claimed informed his views on government secrecy and extraterrestrial involvement. After his military service, he transitioned to writing and broadcasting, self-publishing his seminal book 'Behold a Pale Horse' in 1991, which compiled his theories on secret societies, UFO cover-ups, and government manipulations. The book became a cornerstone for conspiracy communities, influencing militia movements and UFO enthusiasts. Cooper hosted the shortwave radio program 'The Hour of the Time' from 1992 until his death, where he disseminated ideas on topics ranging from the Illuminati to alleged extraterrestrial threats, often blurring lines between fact and speculation. Described as a 'militia theoretician,' his rhetoric inspired both followers and controversy. In his later years, he lived in relative isolation in Eagar, Arizona, and on November 5, 2001, was fatally shot by Apache County sheriff's deputies during an attempted arrest after he fired at them. His legacy endures in conspiracy theory circles, with 'Behold a Pale Horse' remaining a widely circulated text.