This Day in History: April 21 1918, The Fall of the Red Baron
This Day in History: The Fall of the Red Baron
Today, April 21, 1918, the man known to history as the Red Baron — Manfred von Richthofen — was shot down and killed in the skies over France at just 26 years old.
He was the first true fighter pilot legend, a hero of Germany during World War I, credited with shooting down 80 planes and killing over 90 pilots in aerial combat.
Yet even his enemies — British Empire pilots and commanders — honored him in death.
When he crash-landed behind enemy lines and died from a single shot, they buried him with full military honors,
carrying his casket with respect, laying wreaths, saying prayers, and honoring the code of courage even amid the horrors of war.
American newspapers and magazines likewise praised him as a model of military honor and skill, even as he fought for the enemy.
Today, in my own collection, I have a memorial created by a young man who was his cousin here in America. It’s made of simple wood and varnish and has a photo of the Red Baron— a simple wooden frame carved by an American German youth from that era, bearing the Red Baron’s name, a photograph, and a coat of arms.
It reminds me how even in a world broken by war and bloodshed, men could still recognize courage, skill, and humanity across enemy lines.
And yet — no earthly honor, no victory, no fame, no reputation can save a man from death.
The Red Baron conquered the skies —
but he could not conquer the grave.
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One year prior to this date in history was called Bloody April as the armed Baron and his flying Circus:
the Red Baron’s squadron, Jasta 11, absolutely dominated the skies.
• The British Royal Flying Corps lost almost 250 aircraft in that one month alone.
• Von Richthofen personally scored 21 victories in April 1917 — one of the bloodiest air campaigns of the entire war.
• His red triplane became a symbol of terror and invincibility in the skies.
• Even though he was wounded later that summer, he continued flying into 1918 until his death — exactly one year later, in April 1918.
“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
— Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)
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However much a man may accomplish, however widely he may be praised,
the truth remains: every man must meet his Maker.
Fame cannot save you.
Skill cannot save you.
Patriotism, courage, honor, and sacrifice — good though they are —
cannot save your soul.
Only Christ can.
“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
— John 11:25 (KJV)
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Today the world crowns its heroes.
Tomorrow they are dust and memory.
But Jesus Christ offers eternal life —
not to the strongest, not to the proudest, but to the humble sinner who calls on His name.
Today, if you hear His voice,
turn to Him in repentance and faith.
For death is certain —
but so is eternal life, for those who trust in Christ.
A final plea and thought
The Red Baron ruled the skies, but he could not outrun the grave.
“Bloody April” filled the heavens with death, but there is a greater blood that speaks — the blood of Christ, shed not to conquer nations, but to conquer sin and death itself.
Friend, the wars of men rage and fall silent, but the battle for your soul is eternal.
The cross stands even when kingdoms fall.
The blood of Jesus Christ speaks of mercy, forgiveness, and eternal life.
Look up ,not in fear or even admiration to one who was called the bloody Red Baron , but to the Blood of the Cross and to redemption that draweth nigh!
Come to Him while there is still time.
For soon the final trumpet will sound — and only those in Christ will rise to meet Him in the clouds.