Red Baron

Manfred von Richthofen (1892-191, a German fighter pilot during World War I (1914-1, was nicknamed "Red Baron" by the Allies (group of 23 allied countries, including France, Great Britain, Russia, and the United States) because he flew a red-painted Albatros fighter. Richthofen became the top ace of the war. By his own account, he shot down 80 Allied planes, although only 60 of these hits were confirmed by both sides. The other 20 hits may have been accomplished by other planes in his squadron, the Flying Circus (so-named because of their brightly painted aircraft).

The Red Baron died on April 21, 1918, when he was attacked over the Semme River in France. His attackers were Roy Brown, a Canadian ace pilot, and Australian ground machine-gunners. Both parties claimed responsibility for the Red Baron's death.