Today in History – May 2, 1892 – Birth of Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen aka The Red Baron

Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen aka The Red Baron is better known as the rival of Snoopy from Peanuts.  von Richtofen was possibly the top Ace pilot of World War I with over 80 air combat victories.

Richthofen wears the Pour le Mérite, the "Blue Max", Prussia's highest military order in this official portrait, c. 1917
Richthofen wears the Pour le Mérite, the “Blue Max”, Prussia’s highest military order in this official portrait, c. 1917

The Red Baron was killed in combat on April 21, 1918 possibly by a bullet fired from the ground – the identity of who fired the fatal bullet is still in dispute.   He managed to land his plane and died as Australian soldiers reached him – his last words allegedly being “kaputt.”

The allies gave him a respectful full military funeral (video below:)

The body was returned to Germany after the war.

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