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Fred Valentine

 

Date and Place of Birth: November 14, 1896 Peekskill, NY
Date and Place of Death:    November 11, 1918 France
Baseball Experience: Amateur
Position: Unknown
Rank: Private
Military Unit: 9th Separate Battalion US Marine Corps
Area Served: France

Frederick W. Valentine, Jr., son of Frederick and Emma Valentine, was born in Peekskill, New York, on November 14, 1896. His father had managed the semi-pro Peekskill team and was instrumental in having them join the Class D Hudson River League in 1903. Fred, Jr., who attended Drum Hill school, was an excellent ballplayer and captained the Peekskill YMCA team in 1917. He was also an accomplished singer and very much in demand in and around his home town.

On July 31, 1918, the 21-year-old left his office job at the Fleischmann Manufacturing Company and joined the Marine Corps. He was sent to Parris Island, South Carolina, then Quantico, Virginia, before sailing for France on October 27, 1918, with the 9th Separate Battalion.

On November 11, 1918, Armistice Day and three days before his 22nd birthday, Private Valentine died from pneumonia in France. The tragic and shocking news reached his father by telegram:

Washington, D.C., Nov. 27, 1918
F. W. Valentine, Sr.
Deeply regret to inform you message from abroad states that Private Fred W. Valentine, Jr., Marine Corps., died on November 11 of broncho pneumonia and meningitis. No particulars are available but see general information mailed you today. Accept my heartfelt sympathy in your loss of one who nobly offered his life in the service of his country.
Chas. O. Long. Brigadier General


It was not until August 1940, that Fred Valentine’s body was returned to the United States. He now rests at the Hillside Cemetery.

Fred W. Valentine Jr of Peekskill, NY

Date Added: May 10, 2015

 

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