The leading ace of all nations during World War I was Baron Manfred von Richthofen, the famous "Red Knight of Germany." Although he scored most of his 80 victories while flying the Albatross fighter, he is most closely associated with the Fokker Dr. I triplane, the type of plane he flew during the latter part of his combat career.
The Baron was shot down and killed on April 21, 1918, several miles east of Amiens, France. His death started one of the greatest controversies in aviation history. Although his downing was officially credited to Capt. Roy Brown, a Canadian flying Sopwith Camels with the RAF, some historians claim he was shot down by Australian ground troops.
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