April 21, 1918: Manfred von Richthoften is shot down.

Manfred von Richthofen was the greatest flying ace of World War I, and arguably the most well-known fighter pilot of all time. He was called the “Red Baron”, the “Red Devil”, and the “Red Fighter Pilot” (among other names) for the red planes he often flew. A man of great tactical brilliance, he came to lead his own squadron - Jasta 11 - at the age of twenty-four. At the end of his career, he was credited with eighty official victories, four of which he achieved in a single day - the most of any World War I pilot.  

On April 21, 1918, the Red Baron was hit by a single bullet to the chest while engaged in a low-altitude pursuit near the Somme; although the kill was officially credited to a Canadian RAF pilot, Australian anti-aircraft machine gunners also claimed credit for the shot. Upon his death, Australian forces took responsibility for his body. Richthofen was a celebrated hero within his own country, but he was also highly respected by his Allied opponents, who regarded him a “gallant and worthy foe” and therefore granted him a full military funeral.