Home > World War I > Manfred von Richthofen Biography

May 2, 1892
Breslau, Germany (now Wroc_aw, Poland)
April 21, 1918
Shot down over Vaux Kamsur Somme, France

Aviator and military leader

The short, intense life of Baron Manfred von Richthofen is perhaps a testament to one of the many great tragedies of war: Too many of its heroes die young. An enthusiastic sportsman in childhood, Richthofen became a skilled and deadly hunter of men as a German fighter pilot during World War I. A dedicated soldier, he helped his country's cause with his many victories in the air. He was a dramatic hero who would inspire German troops in two world wars and earn respect even from his enemies.

An Unwilling Cadet

Manfred von Richthofen was born on May 2, 1892, into an aristocratic family. Both of his parents were descended from landowners, gentlemen farmers who were not inclined to go to war. However, Richthofen's father,...