Manfred von Richthofen with Jasta 11 Pilots, 1917

Manfred von Richthofen with Jasta 11 Pilots, 1917

Jasta 11 pilots pose at Roucourt in April, 1917 with Manfred von Richthofen center. From left to right around Richthofen: Sebastian Festner, Karl Emil Schäfer, Lothar von Richthofen, and Kurt Wolff. Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen (May 2, 1892 - April 21, 1918) was a First World War German flying ace with the Imperial German Army Air Service (Luftstreitkräfte). Originally a cavalryman, he transferred to the Air Service in 1915, becoming one of the first members of Jasta 2 in 1916. He quickly distinguished himself as a fighter pilot, and became leader of Jasta 11 and then the larger unit Jagdgeschwader 1 (Flying Circus). By 1918, he was regarded as a national hero in Germany, and was very well known by the other side. He was a notable tactician and squadron leader and a fine marksman. It was his Albatros D.III that was first painted bright red, in 1917, which earned him his nick name and reputation. Richthofen was shot down and killed near Amiens on April 21, 1918. He is considered the top ace of that war, being officially credited with 80 air combat victories. He remains perhaps the most widely known fighter pilot of all time, and has been the subject of many books, films and other media.

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