[1] Entering military service in 1909 as an officer cadet, Reinhard was assigned to the 14th Bavarian Foot Artillery Regiment.

On 24 June, he was transferred to Jagdstaffel 11 (Fighter Squadron 11) and scored his first victory, over British ace Geoffrey Hornblower Cock (taken POW).

He would shoot down eight more enemy planes while leading the Jagdgeschwader, bringing his total aerial victories to 20 by 12 June 1918.

As was customary, his 20th victory sparked his nomination for the Pour le Mérite, Germany's greatest military honor.

[1] On 18 June 1918, Reinhard left his unit to travel to Berlin to attend fighter aircraft trials in nearby Adlershof.