Olham 164 Posted June 10, 2012 (edited) According to WIKIPEDIA, the "Pour-le-Mérite" ("For the Merit") was named "Blue Max" by the flyers because of it's colour, and to honour one of the first aviators who received it - Max Immelmann. The Members of the Order of Merit were eligible for special military honours. So they had always to be saluted first - even by those of higher ranks. Guards had to salute the member "standing by their guns", which was otherwise only reserved for their direct commanders, and persona from ruling houses. The "Pour-le-Mérite" could also be awarded to foreign officers. The Order still exists as the "Pour-le-Mérite for Science and Arts". http://www.orden-pourlemerite.de/ . Edited June 10, 2012 by Olham Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Gepard 11,324 Posted June 10, 2012 10 kills needed to get it, if i remember right. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
von Baur 54 Posted June 10, 2012 (edited) I'd heard eight, at first (Immelmann, Boelcke, and others in that era). In late 1916 or early 1917 (just before MvR got his eighth, IIRC) it was doubled to 16. Then it was raised again in 1918, according to some sources, to as high as 30. *edit* I believe you're referring to the term "Kannon", the German equivalent of "Ace", Gepard. Edited June 10, 2012 by von Baur Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Olham 164 Posted June 10, 2012 They started with only 6 kills, if I remember Immelmann's PLM right. Later, you had to make 15 or 16; and then, from some time in 1917 on you had to make 20. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
