Quentin Roosevelt's Nieuport 28

[Russell Smith]

Quentin Roosevelt
oil on linen on masonite
9" x 13"

Quentin Roosevelt was the youngest (and favorite) son of Teddy Roosevelt. Quentin served with the 95th Aero Squadron in WW1 and was shot down on July 14, 1918. The German high command, hoping to use this victory as a morale booster for the German people, made a postcard of the dead pilot and plane. However, this move backfired as the German people, who held Theodore Roosevelt with high respect, were impressed that his son died in active duty.

[JohnB]

Nice work.
I've read 2 or 3 TR biographies and they've never given any details of his son's death.
Your post answers some questions...thanks.

[Russell Smith]

Hi John. I've heard it said that Teddy Roosevelt was never the same after Quentin's death. I'll actually be working on another QR piece later this year which will be featured on the cover of Over the Front next year. The issue will feature an article on QR's death by WW1 historian Alan Toelle.

[RickH]

Teddie's favorite son, TR died of a broken heart.

The 95th BS, along with the 17th BW were the first to transition to the B-25. The core of the Doolittle Raiders came from the 17th. The Kicking Mule of the 95th is one of the oldest authorized squadron insignia.

Very nice work Russell !