From the Diary of the Red Baron

March 1, 1916- Today I Begin Learning How to Hunt Machines

But, I do not excite myself- I stay calm.  Excitement causes a wobbly gun barrel.  Slowly I draw up my rifle, the locking of the bolt being the only sound my prey hears of me, which serves not to scare off but rather to paralyze, and to raise the deer’s head conveniently towards it’s messenger of death, in order to align the chest and heart with my sights.  Hesitate I do not, but with a respectful acknowledgement of my opponent I pull the trigger smoothly, downing my kill.  Now excitement can be free to come out from the inside, where it has been restrained until now!  I have done it!  The thrill!  The sense of accomplishment!  Success!

It is only proper that I should feel these things as I combat machines of the sky from the other side.  I will hunt them.  My cover will be the clouds and the sun.  I will see them, and they will not see me.  I will sense their presence, yet they will not sense mine.  I will not hesitate, but I will fight with respect.  I will not be beaten, and THEY WILL KNOW MY NAME.

-M. von Richthofen