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.
Date Added: May 10, 2015
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