Memories of Manfred von Richthofen

"I remember this with fondness.  He was very attached to the dogs at the base.  I felt like they were his responsibility.  I remember how upset he would get when we let them get outside.  "Who let the dogs out", he would say quite calmly-it was the source of some merriment to us."

Memories of Manfred

"I also remember that he would go hunting alone near the base- I can picture him coming inside with a rifle on his left shoulder. He was carrying something, possibly a rabbit, and coming into the common area where we were all there.  It created quite a stir."

More Memories of Manfred

"He was an inspirational leader.  He had the most intense blue eyes.  When he conversed with you he would fully get your attention by the purposeful way he looked at you.  I wanted to please him.  He had a calmness in his attitude that I deeply respected.  He built us up to know that we were special.   We became confident pilots not only because of what he taught us, but also because of the confidence he showed in us.   We didn't want to fail him.

I admired Manfred.  He was friendly to everyone. I considered myself one of the pilots that he trusted and this was intensely satisfying.  The first time I met Manfred he was wearing his scarf and Cavalry spurs.  I was surprised how friendly he was.  I was glad he was to lead our Jasta."