MODEL RELEASED. Manfred von Richthofen (1892-1918). Historical portrait of the German pilot Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen who was widely known as the Red Baron. Von Richthofen won 80 air combats during World War I, achieving his first air victory on 17th September 1916. On January 12th 1917, he was awarded the Orden Pour le Merite (Blue Max) for reaching 18 victories. Around this time he decided to paint parts of his aircraft red to help identify himself to his allies. Richthofen was shot down over France in April 1918, aged 25, and was succeeded by Hermann Goring, who went on to become the head of the Luftwaffe.