Jagdgeschwader Richthofen

"The Reich Air Force has been created as a new branch of the Wehrmacht. It continues the glorious aviation tradition of the World War. The name of Baron von Richthofen and his fighter squadron shines brightly within it. His will to victory and fight has been faithfully and unwaveringly preserved as a sacred legacy by the last squadron commander, General Göring, through combat and hardship. His energy led to the creation of the first fighter squadron within the new Air Force. Today, I entrust this fighter wing with continuing the tradition of the Richthofen fighter wing and hereby order: From now on, the fighter wing shall bear the name: ‘Richthofen Fighter Wing’. The officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted men of the fighter wing shall wear a commemorative ribbon with the name Richthofen on their uniforms. Further orders on this matter shall be issued by the Reich Minister of Aviation. This honour is bestowed upon the undefeated victor in the air, our Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen. It also honours all the fallen heroes of our air force. I issue this decree in the certainty that the Richthofen Fighter Wing – imbued with the great significance of the tradition entrusted to it – will always prove itself equal to the sacred obligation in spirit and performance. Munich, 14 March 1935. signed Adolf Hitler."