Several U.S. presidents proudly served in the military, with 31 serving in the armed forces before taking office. For many, their commitment to duty inspired their children to serve as well. One of the most poignant examples is Quentin Roosevelt, the youngest son of President Theodore Roosevelt.
Eager to follow in his father’s footsteps and serve his country, Quentin joined the U.S. Army Air Service during World War I and became a pilot. He quickly earned a reputation for his courage and skill in the skies over France. Sadly, on July 14, 1918—Bastille Day—Quentin was shot down in aerial combat and killed. His death deeply moved the nation, and he became a symbol of youthful bravery and sacrifice during the Great War.
Theodore Roosevelt got his start in politics
Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt set a lofty standard for his descendants. Despite grappling with severe asthma during his formative years, the 26th president of the United States perceived his condition as an obstacle to be conquered through sheer willpower and physical effort. Despite his physical fragility, he thrived as a boxer during his time at Harvard University.
After a brief foray into politics as a state assemblyman, Roosevelt became drawn by the rugged lifestyle of a rancher, prompting his move to the Dakota Territory to engage in cattle work in the 1880s. Nevertheless, his ardor for politics endured, leading him back to the realm of public service. He served initially with the United States Civil Service Commission, later assuming roles such as New York City Police Commissioner and Assistant Secretary of the US Navy.
Theodore Roosevelt’s ‘Rough Riders’
Following the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, Theodore Roosevelt, eager to prove himself, resigned from his position with the US Navy and, alongside US Army Col. Leonard Wood, formed the 1st US Volunteer Cavalry Regiment. Known as the Rough Riders, they fought in Cuba, with their first engagement occurring on June 24, 1898, with the Battle of Las Guasimas. The victory was swift, with American forces and Cuban rebels driving out the Spanish troops from the area.
This, combined with the triumph at the Battle of San Juan Hill, which Roosevelt called “the greatest day of my life,” solidified his reputation as a heroic figure in the eyes of the American public. He became the governor of New York for two years, before becoming the vice president of the United States under William McKinley.
Shortly into his presidential term, McKinley was assassinated, leaving Roosevelt to lead the country. He served two terms and remained active in politics long after leaving office.
Quentin Roosevelt’s early life
Quentin Roosevelt, the youngest of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt’s children, grew up with his half-sisters Alice and Ethel, and his brothers Theodore III (“Ted”), Kermit, and Archibald (“Archie”).
When Theodore Roosevelt assumed the presidency in 1901, Quentin was just three years old. Like his father, he was full of vigor and soon gained a reputation as a mischief-maker. He and his friends gained a reputation for their pranks, such as defacing pictures in the White House, creating a baseball diamond in the lawn, and pelting Secret Service agents with snowballs.
Although he had a lively and playful character, Roosevelt also excelled academically. He began his studies at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, before moving on to Groton School in Massachusetts. Following his father’s example, he attended Harvard University, where his writing abilities were highly praised. In 1919, Harvard awarded him a posthumous degree.
Entering service with the US military
The Roosevelt brothers were raised with a strong sense of patriotism and responsibility, values their father, Theodore Roosevelt, emphasized alongside physical discipline and military preparedness. In 1915, Quentin Roosevelt took part in a military training camp led by Maj. Gen. Leonard Wood—an early step in what would become a shared path of service for the Roosevelt sons.
When the United States entered World War I, all four brothers stepped forward to serve as officers in the U.S. military. Quentin joined the 1st Reserve Aero Squadron and trained on Long Island before being deployed to France as a lieutenant. Once overseas, he played a key role and assisted in setting up a training base in Issoudun, later taking on duties as a supply officer and eventually managing operations at an American training facility in Europe.
Quentin’s drive and talent earned him a place in the 95th Aero Squadron, part of the 1st Pursuit Group. There, he completed his pilot training and received his wings, cementing his place as one of the promising young American aviators in the war.
Quentin Roosevelt showed skill as a pilot
Once in the air, Quentin Roosevelt showed his prowess as a combat pilot, securing his first confirmed kill on July 10, 1918, during the German Spring Offensive. While skilled, he still hadn’t quite shaken the recklessness from his childhood, with fellow pilot and Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker once commenting:
“He was reckless to such a degree that his commanding officers had to caution him repeatedly about the senselessness of his lack of caution. His bravery was so notorious that we all knew he would either achieve some great spectacular success or be killed in the attempt. Even the pilots in his own flight would beg him to conserve himself and wait for a fair opportunity for a victory. But Quentin would merely laugh away all serious advice.”
Roosevelt was killed in combat
A few days after shooting down his first enemy aircraft, Quentin Roosevelt was himself shot down by the Germans over Chamery. He was struck by two machine gun bullets that pierced his head, leading to his death. The Nieuport 28 C.1 he was flying crashed and was later recovered by the Germans.
The exact German pilot responsible for downing Theodore Roosevelt’s son remains unknown. Historically, three German pilots – Sgt. Carl Graeper, Lt. Karl Thom, and Lt. Christian Donhauser – have been credited, but none has been definitively identified as the one who shot him down.
Paying respect to Quentin Roosevelt
Quentin Roosevelt was buried with full military honors by the Germans, his grave marked by a cross crafted from two pieces of wood and wire salvaged from his aircraft. After the Allied forces reclaimed the territory, his grave became a pilgrimage sit for thousands of soldiers who were inspired by his bravery. In 1955, his remains were exhumed and reinterred at the World War II American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer.
Theodore Roosevelt was deeply affected by the loss of his youngest son. In a letter to one of Quentin’s friends, he wrote, “To feel that one has inspired a boy to conduct that has resulted in his death, has a pretty serious side for a father, and at the same time I would not have cared for my boys and they would not have cared for me if our relations had not been just along that line.”
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The mourning Roosevelt patriarch didn’t outlive his son for long. On January 6, 1919, he died when a blood clot detached from a vein and traveled to his lung. He was 60 years old.