Citation

Koul P, Mau C, Sabourin VM, Gandhi CD, Prestigiacomo CJ. Neurosurg. Focus 2015; 39(1): e5.

Affiliation

Neurology and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, American Association of Neurological Surgeons)

DOI

10.3171/2015.4.FOCUS15109

PMID

26126404

Abstract

World War I advanced the development of aviation from the concept of flight to the use of aircraft on the battlefield. Fighter planes advanced technologically as the war progressed. Fighter pilot aces Francesco Baracca and Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron) were two of the most famous pilots of this time period. These courageous fighter aces skillfully maneuvered their SPAD and Albatros planes, respectively, while battling enemies and scoring aerial victories that contributed to the course of the war. The media thrilled the public with their depictions of the heroic feats of fighter pilots such as Baracca and the Red Baron. Despite their aerial prowess, both pilots would eventually be shot down in combat. Although the accounts of their deaths are debated, it is undeniable that both were victims of traumatic head injury.

Language: en