The son of Theodore Roosevelt was killed in action during the Second Battle of the Marne "Lieutenant Quentin Roosevelt met his death during an unusually severe dog-fight in the air. He left the aerodrome with his formation of five planes and proceeded across the lines east of Chateau-Thierry. The sky was thick with enemy formations as usual. Both our own and the enemy's aeroplanes were largely engaged at that time in strafing trenches and the main highways upon which columns of troops were continually advancing to occupy the lines. One did not have to seek far to find a fight. Within ten minutes after crossing the trenches the little formation from 95 Squadron took on a Fokker formation of seven machines. They were both at a low altitude and evidently both were intent upon discovering a favorable ground target covered with marching men. The five Americans accepted the Hun challenge for a combat and dropped all other business for the time being. During the rapid circling about, in which both groups were endeavoring to break up the formation of the antagonist, Quentin discovered the approach of another flight of red-nosed Fokkers, coming from above and behind. He withdrew by himself and flew ahead to meet the newcomers, climbing as he flew. The others were utterly unconscious of his departure, since Quentin flew in the last rear position on one of the wings. It was a cloudy day and the aeroplanes were up near to and occasionally lost in the obscurity of the clouds. Suddenly Lieutenant Buford, the leader of Quentin's formation, saw a Nieuport falling through the clouds from above him. It was out of control as it swept by him. Without realizing whose machine it was, Buford knew that an enemy force was above him. He already had more than his hands full in the present company. Signaling his pilots to follow him, he broke off the contest and re-crossed the lines. Then he discovered the absence of Quentin Roosevelt! That same night a wireless message came from the Germans saying that Quentin had been shot down by Sergeant Thorn of the Richthofen Circus. Thorn at that time had a record of twenty-four planes to his credit. The additional information was received that Quentin had been buried with military honors. No honors, however, could have compensated our group for the loss of that boy. The news was flashed throughout the world that Quentin Roosevelt was dead! http://www.usaww1.com/USAF_World_War_I_Photos_3.php4
Exactly which German pilot brought down Lt Quentin Roosevelt's Nieuport 28 on 14 July 1918 is a matter for some minor debate. Credit has been given to Ltn Hans Christian Donhauser of Jasta 17 and Ltn Karl Thom of Jasta 27 - both of whom weren't credited with a victory on the day in question. However, recent research suggests that the man responsible was probably Uffz Carl Emil Gräper of Jasta 50 - it was Gräper's first and only victory. Gareth
Thanks Gareth ! I found this ... I hadn't seen it ... should have looked a bit harder !!!! Stationed in the same sector as the newly arrived American First Pursuit Group, Jasta 50’s boldly marked Albatros fighters became a regular participant in the struggles for aerial superiority along the front. On July 14th, 1918, a mixed flight of Jasta 50 Fokker D.7’s and Albatroses attacked a flight of American Nieuport 28’s from the 95th Aero Squadron. Among the Americans was Lt. Quentin Roosevelt, youngest son of former President Teddy Roosevelt. Young Quentin was just 20 years old and having scored his first kill just 4 days before, he was hailed at home by the press and his parents, an icon to the world of the US resolve to throw it’s best into the conflict. In the ensuing fight, Roosevelt was separated from his flight and closely pursued by two Germans. Last seen beneath the formation and under attack, he failed to rejoin his squadron by days end. A few days later, the German Air Service dropped a note stating simply Roosevelt had been killed in action and had been buried with military honors on the spot where he fell. Post war stories credited Roosevelt to Ltn. Karl Thom, a 27 victory ace. Although it made for good press, it simply was not true. Like many fliers who lost their lives in defense of the nation, Roosevelt was shot down by one of the legion of unknown pilots. Unteroffizier (Corporal) Karl Emil Graper, an average pilot in an average unit claimed Roosevelt as his first - and only - victory of the war. After Quentins grave was liberated by advancing American troops, his father was asked if his sons remains should be shipped home for reburial. “Let the tree lie where it fell” he replied and so Quentin rests to this day in France.
