Freiherr von Manfred Richthofen

Born in Breslau in 1892, Manfred von Richthofen grew up in a Prussian military family and first served as a cavalry officer before moving into the air service during World War I. He trained as a pilot in 1915 and quickly rose through Germany’s fighter ranks.

Richthofen became widely known as the Red Baron after painting his aircraft in striking red colors. As leader of Jagdstaffel 11 and later the larger fighter wing often called the "Flying Circus," he gained a reputation for discipline, careful tactics, and exceptional success in the air. He was officially credited with 80 victories, making him the war’s highest-scoring ace.

He was killed over the Somme in France on April 21, 1918. Even in his short life, Richthofen became one of the defining figures of early air combat, and his memoirs and wartime record helped secure his place in history.