The elder Sladen met with Cochise in the company of General Oliver Otis Howard, and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in the American Civil War.

[3] Sladen received his appointment to the US Military Academy from the State of Nebraska, graduating 27th out of 54 in his class of 1890.

On October 14, 1918, learning that his brigade's advance had stalled near Ferme de la Madeleine, France, Sladen proceeded three kilometers to the front lines under heavy enemy fire to investigate.

[6] Sladen married Ms. Elizabeth Lefferts of New York City on October 8, 1903, at the Church of the Holy Incarnation on Madison Avenue.

[7] Their son Fred Winchester Sladen Jr. was a West Point graduate and decorated battalion commander during World War II who retired as a brigadier general.