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Birth
Manfred Albrecht von Richthofen's entry into the world on May 2, 1892 made his father, Major Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen (Freiherr = Baron), extremely happy. Though Manfred was his second child, Manfred was his first son. -
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Life of the Red Baron
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Entered Wahlstatt Cadet School in Berlin
Not exact date Though he disliked the school's rigid discipline and received poor grades, Manfred excelled at athletics and gymnastics. After six years at Wahlstatt, Manfred graduated to the Senior Cadet Academy at Lichterfelde which he found more likeable. -
Becomes Lieutenant
In 1912, Manfred, after having been commissioned as Leutnant (lieutenant), was stationed in Militsch (now Milicz, Poland). -
World War I Begins
In the summer of 1914, World War I began. Manfred was a pilot. -
Observer Training Program
Instead of flight school, Richthofen requested to be transferred to the Air Service to become an observer. In May 1915, Richthofen traveled to Cologne for the observer training program at the No. 7 Air Replacement Station. -
First Flight
Richthofen had his first air fight on September 1, 1915. He went up with pilot Lieutenant Georg Zeumer, and for the first time, spotted an enemy aircraft in the air. Richthofen had only a rifle with him and though he tried several times to hit the other plane, he failed to bring it down. -
Meeting His Hero
Richthofen was on board a train heading for Metz. After entering the dining car, he found an empty seat, sat down, and then noticed a familiar face at another table. Richthofen introduced himself and found that he was talking to the famous fighter pilot Lieutenant Oswald Boelcke. Frustrated at his own failed attempts to shoot down another plane, Richthofen asked Boelcke, "Tell me honestly, how do you really do it?" Boelcke laughed and then replied, "Good heavens, it indeed is quite simple..." -
Pilot's Certificate
Richthofen, after much determination and perserverance, finally passed all three of the fighter pilot examinations. On December 25, 1915, he was awarded his pilot's certificate. -
New Skills
By September 8, 1916, Richthofen and the other pilots that had been invited to join Boelcke's Jagdstaffel 2 (often abbreviated to "Jasta") had arrived in Lagnicourt. Boelcke then taught them all he had learned about fighting in the air. -
His Mentor Dies
Boelcke, Richthofen's mentor, went into the air as he had on most other days. However, during an aerial battle, a horrible accident occurred. While trying to evade an enemy, Boelcke and Lieutenant Erwin Böhme's plane grazed each other. Though it was only a touch, Boelcke's plane was damaged. While his plane was rushing toward the ground, Boelcke tried to keep control. Then one of his wings snapped off. Boelcke was killed on impact. -
Award
After achieving sixteen victories, Richthofen was awarded the Pour le Mérite on January 12, 1917. Two days later, Richthofen was given command of Jagdstaffel 11. Now he was not only to fly and fight, but to train others to do so. -
New Ace, "Bloody April"
In April, Richthofen, shot down 21 enemy aircraft bringing his total up to 52. He had finally broken Boelcke's record (40 victories), making Richthofen the new ace of aces. -
Death
It was determined that a single bullet had entered through the right side of Richthofen's back (while he was flying) and exited about two inches higher from his left chest. The bullet killed him instantly. He was 25 years old. Baron Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron, was credited with bringing down 80 enemy aircraft. His prowess in the air made him a hero during World War I and a twentieth century legend.
