On July 6, 1917, during combat with the No. 20 RFC, Richthofen sustained a serious head wound, which required multiple surgical operations to remove bone splinters from the impact area. His wound is thought to have caused lasting damage (post-flight nausea and headaches). Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen (May 2, 1892 - April 21, 1918) was a WWI German flying ace. Originally a cavalryman, he transferred to the Air Service in 1915, becoming one of the first members of Jasta 2. He distinguished himself as a fighter pilot, and during 1917 became leader of Jasta 11 and then the larger unit Jagdgeschwader 1. By 1918, he was regarded as a national hero, and was very well known by the other side. It was his Albatros D.III that was first painted bright red, in late January 1917, and in which he first earned his name and reputation. Richthofen was shot down and killed near Amiens on April 21, 1918. There has been considerable discussion and debate regarding aspects of his career, especially the circumstances of his death. He is considered the top ace of that war, being officially credited with 80 air combat victories. He remains perhaps the most widely known fighter pilot of all time, and has been the subject of many books, films and other media.