Final answer:
The Red Baron, also known as Manfred von Richthofen, was a German fighter pilot during World War I credited with 80 victories. He was active from 1916 to 1918 and piloted a distinctive red Fokker Dr.I triplane. His combat career ended with his death on April 21, 1918.
Step-by-step explanation:
The infamous Red Baron, also known as Manfred von Richthofen, was a German fighter pilot with the Imperial German Army Air Service during World War I. He is considered the ace-of-aces of the war, being officially credited with 80 air combat victories. The Red Baron shot down enemy planes during a period when aerial combat was a relatively new phenomenon, using skills that brought him notoriety and earned him the respect of both his comrades and enemies.
Manfred von Richthofen learned to fly in 1915 and quickly emerged as a skilled fighter pilot. His most successful time period was 1916 through 1918, where he served on the Western Front and was engaged in the air war over the trenches. He piloted several aircraft during his career, but he is perhaps best known for flying a distinctive red Fokker Dr.I triplane, which became an enduring symbol of his prowess.
His exploits came to an end when he was killed in combat on April 21, 1918, over the Somme River in France. Regardless, his legend as the Red Baron endures as one of the most famous fighter pilots in the history of aerial warfare.