Theodore Roosevelt’s youngest son Quentin Roosevelt I was a pilot in World War I and was killed in France during combat. He is the only child of a US President to die in combat

Quentin Roosevelt

For this subject’s nephew and namesake, see Quentin Roosevelt II.

Quentin Roosevelt I (November 19, 1897 – July 14, 1918) was the youngest son of President Theodore Roosevelt and First Lady Edith Roosevelt. Inspired by his father and siblings, he joined the United States Army Air Service where he became a pursuit pilot during World War I. He was killed in aerial combat over France on Bastille Day (July 14), 1918. As of 2020, he is the only child of a US President to die in combat.

Childhood

Roosevelt Family in 1903 with Quentin on the left, TR, Ted, Archie, Alice, Kermit, Edith, and Ethel

Quentin Roosevelt and Roswell Pinckney, members of the “White House Gang” of young playmates. Theodore Roosevelt was an honorary member.Continue Reading (16 minute read)