Gottfried Freiherr von Banfield was the most successful Austro-Hungarian naval aeroplane pilot in the First World War. He was known as the 'Eagle of Trieste' and was the last person in history to wear the Military Order of Maria Theresa. He scored 9 aerial victories during the war, making him one of the only Flying aces who flew a flying boat to five or more victories.

The Military Order of Maria Theresa was the highest military honour of the Habsburg monarchy, Austrian Empire and Austro-Hungarian Empire.