Richthofen, Manfred, Freiherr von

Richthofen, Manfred, Freiherr von (1892-1918), German military aviator, born in Breslau. Richthofen was in the cavalry and the infantry before joining the German air service during World War I. He led a group of fighter pilots, the 11th Chasing Squadron, who became known as Richthofen's Flying Circus. Richthofen painted his plane red to flaunt his prowess in the air and thus earned the nickname of the Red Knight of Germany or the Red Baron. He was credited with the destruction of 80 Allied planes before being shot down behind British lines in April 1918.