Baron Manfred Albrecht von Richthofen is more widely known as The Red Baron, his World War I moniker. He earned this nickname due to his prowess as a fighter pilot at the controls of a red Fokker tri-plane. He has been officially credited with eighty aerial combat victories. This number is more than any other pilot.

Born in May 1892, Richthofen was originally a cavalry officer but, in 1915, transferred to the Army Air Service as a founding member of Jasta 2. He quickly distinguished himself as a capable fighter pilot. Promotion followed and he became the leader of Jasta 11. He also served in Jagdgeschwader 1, the infamous Flying Circus. Richthofen was a national hero and was awarded the Blue Max, Germany-s highest military honor at that time.

During a mission over Amiens, France in April 1918, the Red Baron was mortally wounded. He successfully landed his plane but expired shortly thereafter. Witnesses credit his final word as “kaput’.

Numerous films and books have documented his flying career. There is a debate as to whether Richthofen was shot during aerial combat or from ground fire. In either case, he is probably the most famous fighter pilot of all time.