From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
He was born in Dresden the son of a paper board container factory owner. After leaving school he joined Eisenbahnregiment Berlin. 1913 - 1914 he studied mechanical engineering in Dresden.
When the World War I started he joined the Luftstreitkräfte and is stationed in North-France as reconnaissance aviator. 1915 he became a fighter pilot. He became known as Eagle of Lille.
He develop a figure consisting of a half loop and a turn now called Immelmann which was used for the rapid change of direction of flight.
He was the first German combat pilot to be awarded the Pour le Mérite, Germany's highest military honor. The medal became known as the Blue Max in honor of Immelmann.
He was downed by friendly fire (artillery) over Sallaumines in North-France
