Manfred von Richthofen

Manfred von Richthofen was born on May 2, 1892 in Bresau, Germany. He died April 21,1918 in the skies over Vaux sur Somme, France. He was 25 years old. By his own people he was called "The Red Battle Flyer" and was known by the ever popular Red Baron by the English. In his time twenty victories would grant you legendary status. He had eighty by the time he died.

He gained respect from not only his own country but the rivals as well. The name Richthofen means "court of judgment".

He was an athlete and a active person. He was born into a noble family. He is best known for his flights in his red Fokker. As a cadet he climbed a church steeple at Wahlstatt and tied his handkerchief to its lightning rod, just for fun. Just before his death the guilt of killing so many started to press on him. He was shot down over enemy lines by Roy Brown of Canada. His opponents had so much respect for the noble flyer, that time out was taken from the war and he was given a hero's funeral.

"I think of this war as it really is, not as the people at home imagine, with a hoorah!, and a roar. It was very serious, very grimÉ"