In early 1918 , it was proposed to award the oak leaves to Germany 's top flying ace , Manfred von Richthofen .
Manfred von Richthofen was deemed ineligible under a strict reading of the regulations .
In early 1918 , it was proposed to award the oak leaves to Germany 's top flying ace , Manfred von Richthofen , but he was deemed ineligible under a strict reading of the regulations .