The location of the aviation memorial is due to the development of gliding on the Wasserkuppe. World War II pilots achieved success here in the first gliding competitions.

The monument was created by the Ring der Flieger e. V. and architect Johannes Moßner. Its foundations are made of basalt stones and it is crowned by a bronze eagle sculpture created by sculptor Professor August Gaul. It was erected and dedicated in 1923 in memory of the fallen field pilots in the First World War. 

The bronze plaque on the front, a text written by First Lieutenant Ottfried Fuchs, says the following:

"WE DEAD FLIERS REMAINED VICTORIOUS THROUGH OURSELVES ALONE.

PEOPLE, FLY AGAIN AND YOU WILL BE VICTORIOUS THROUGH YOURSELF ALONE."

It is located on the premium hiking trail Extra tour "Wasserkuppe".