If you’re like me, you can remember Snoopy fighting the Red Baron in the beloved Peanuts comics and television specials.
However, the Red Baron was more than just a fictional character. His name was Manfred von Richthofen, and he was a German fighter pilot during WWI. He was truly a baron, and he indeed flew a red plane. He shot down the best pilot in Britain’s army in addition to 16 more kills and even 21 in the year of 1917. Indeed, he was a force with which to be reckoned.
Notwithstanding, the Red Baron was certainly not invincible. On this date in 1918, either a shot from ground or a Canadian pilot shot him through the heart. His plane was found behind British lines, and he was given a burial with full military honors. His prowess inspired such as Charles Lindbergh.
For more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manfred_von_Richthofen
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/redbaron/
http://famousdaily.com/history/red-baron-shot-down.html
