Manfred von Richthofen

Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen was born to Alfred and Kunigunde von Richthofen in Breslau, Silesia, German Empire. He grew up in a family with strong military traditions.

At the age of 9, Manfred von Richthofen begins his education at the Cadet School in Wahlstatt, following the family tradition of military service.

Manfred von Richthofen graduates from the Military Academy in Karlsruhe, where he received advanced training in cavalry and military tactics.

Upon graduation, Manfred von Richthofen is commissioned as a lieutenant in the 1st Uhlans Regiment, a prestigious cavalry unit in the Prussian Army.

With the outbreak of World War I, Richthofen serves as a cavalry officer on the Western Front, where he participates in reconnaissance and combat missions.

Frustrated by the static nature of trench warfare, Richthofen transfers to the Air Service, where he begins training as an observer and gunner.

On September 17, 1916, Richthofen scores his first air combat victory by shooting down a British F.E.2b reconnaissance aircraft over Cambrai, France.

In January 1917, Richthofen is appointed the commanding officer of Jasta 11, a fighter squadron. Under his leadership, the unit becomes one of the most successful in the German Air Service.

In January 1917, Richthofen is awarded the Pour le Mérite, the highest military honor in the German Empire, for his exceptional service and 16 confirmed victories.

On April 21, 1918, Manfred von Richthofen is shot down and killed during a dogfight over Vaux-sur-Somme, France. He is buried with full military honors by the British.