Today in 1918, Manfred von Richtofen, World War I’s greatest flying ace, was shot down in his Red Fokker Triplane by a single bullet through his heart. Here is the Red Baron in a sweater in happier times; ca. 1917

He landed in enemy territory, and the RAF gave him a funeral with full military honors, befitting a legendary military aviator such as himself. It’s strange how a sense of professional respect can transcend the hatred of enemies, especially in the case of an enemy who had personally killed so many RAF pilots.

He was a dangerous enemy, but he was truly admired.

April 21, 2015 | Categories: European History, European Warfare 1789-1918, History, Human History, Images of History, Life under siege, Military Aviation, Military History, Modern Warfare, Photography, Stunt Queens, The Drama Of It All, World War One | Tags: Aviation, First World War, History, Manfred von Richtofen, Military history, Photo, photographs, Photography, red Baron, von Richtofen, World War 1, World War One, WW1, WWI | Leave a comment