One of America’s leading military heroes passed away yesterday. Robin Olds, a 3+ times Ace with 13 kills during World War II and 4 more during Vietnam, died June 14, 2007.
Brigadier General Robin Olds, United States Air Force, retired, passed away peacefully, Thursday evening, June 14th, 2007 from congestive heart failure, one month short of his 85th birthday. He was born in Honolulu on July 14, 1922, the son of Major General Robert and Eloise Olds.
Robin spent his younger years and schooling in Hampton, Virginia and attended West Point, where he was an All American tackle and graduated in 1943 as a 2nd Lieutenant.
Following graduation from Pilot Training in 1943, General Olds was assigned to the European Theater at the end of WWII where he flew 107 combat missions in the P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustang.
He shot down 13, enemy aircraft over Europe. He became a Triple Ace 23 years later during the Viet NamConflict when he downed 4 MIGS. He flew 152 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom while Wing Commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon AFB in Thailand.
General Olds’ exploits as the creator and Mission Commander of Operation Bolo, the most successful aerial battle of the Vietnam conflict, has been documented in the recent History Channel Dogfights Special series, entitled “Air Ambush”.
General Robin Olds served his country in assignments to England, Germany, Thailand and the United States, in positions of Squadron, Base, Group, and Wing Commander with assignments to Headquarters US Air Force and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
He was assigned to the first jet P-80 squadron in 1946; was a member of the first jet Aerial Acrobatic Demonstration Team, won second place in the Thompson Trophy Race, jet Division, in Cleveland, 1946, and participated in the first dawn to dusk transcontinental round trip flight. He was a Squadron commander of Royal Air Force Fighter Squadron # 1 in Sussex during an exchange tour in 1948.
General Olds’ military decorations include the Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with 5 oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with 39 Oak Leaf Clusters, British Distinguished Flying Cross, French Croix de Guerre, Vietnam Air Force Distinguished Service Order, Vietnam Air Gallantry Medal with Gold Wings, Vietnam Air Service Medal.
After his duty in Vietnam, General Olds was named Commandant of Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy 1967–1971. His last assignment before retiring from the Air Force was Director of Safety for the U.S. Air Force.
Up to a few months prior to his illness, Robin was frequently called upon as guest speaker and lecturer for his inspirational and motivational talks and he traveled all over the world speaking to military and civilian groups alike. General Olds was previously married to Ella Raines, who died in 1988, and then to Morgan Olds.
General Olds is survived by two daughters, Christina Olds of Vail, CO and Susan Scott-Risner of North Bend, WA; one granddaughter, Jennifer Newman of Santa Monica, CA. and half-brother, Fred Olds of Virginia. He died peacefully at his home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in the company of family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at the U.S. Air Force Academy within the next two weeks. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association towards scholarships for the children, or to assist the spouses, of Armed Forces aircrew members killed or missing in action.
Robin’s family has asked for any re-communication of this detail, to include the family’s request for privacy at this time. I will keep you all informed as to final arrangements when formalized.
Godspeed to a more than fine leader.
Your six is clear, General…a grateful nation thanks you for all your service.
–Pinch Paisley
Typo in the article — June, not July.
Typo fixed…thanks.
Now this guy was a GENUINE HERO!…
I don’t know when the show was made but he talks about some of his experiences on the History Channel’s Series called “Dogfights-A history of aerial combat”
Just one question about Robin’s flying accomplishments: Can we get clarity as to whether he really shot down a 5th Mig in Viet Nam?
We have lost a very brave gentleman. He and his buddies helped defend my and other countries here in Europe. (I live in UK) I first erad of him years ago when researching the F4 for a model project. Happy Landings General, Godbless you and yuours, Gary.
No. 1 (Fighter) Sqn’s motto is “In Omnibus Princeps”, and he surely was..
So glad I had the honour to meet this great man at the Halesworth Airfield Memorial Museum a few years ago.All the members here send their condolences.
I was at the U.S. Air Force Academy when Gen. Olds took over as Commandant. He was a very colorful, exuberant leader. We cadets called him “Rockin’ Robin”.
I was at the U.S. Air Force Academy when Gen. Olds took over as Commandant. He was a very colorful, exuberant leader. We cadets called him “Rockin’ Robin”.
As a TSgt fighter crew chief in 1986,I had the opportunity to be a three day “hey boy escort” for Gen Olds when he was the guest speaker for a Dining-out. From picking him up at the airport to seeing him back to Steamboat Springs, I will never forget what a neat guy this legend was. Gen Olds, with his trademark wit and character, kept me on my toes and in stitches laughing. His charisma was infectious and he treated this old enlisted troop like I was an old friend. I have a picture that someone took of Gen Olds and I leaning on a fence,talking, in our mess dress, drinking a beer. I will always treasure it.
God Bless you Gen.Olds. You will be sorely missed
I had the great fortune to spend an afternoon and evening with General Olds in February 2006 on a Steamboat Springs layover. In fighter pilot terms, it was the equivalent of a “no-notice” hospitality check. We had a great visit, and had plenty to talk about and General Olds pulled no punches, as I expected. We went to dinner at his favorite restaurant, the Old West Steakhouse in Steamboat where General Olds’ long time friend, Don Silva, also showed us great hospitality. A great memory of a great fighter pilot/leader.
Sometimes one is privileged to bask in the shadow of greatness. Robin was a friend and composed a 2
While General Olds’ shadow on me was limited to the last two years of his USAFA Commandant job, his impact on my Air Force and ‘after’ life is definite. Thanks to him, I understand “larger than life”; I understand the value of independent thinking and of speaking one’s mind, not as a sheep, but as a thoughtful, independent man and caring. It seems the Air Force has survived in spite of, or perhaps because of, this great man.
Thank you General. Thanks for the shade; thanks for the example and the many stories, still told; thanks for our freedom.
I just was talking about him to a friend while we were watching the History Channel Dogfights show and was told bt him that he had passed earlier this year much to my sorrow. I followed Col. Olds into Ubon shortly after he left and all I ever was Robin Olds would not have stood for this! He was universally loved and respected for the person he was aside from his rank. His acoomplishments were many but I think the fact that he was true to himself and treated all with dignity and respect are to be lauded most! Rest in Peace Sir! Thank You most assuredly for your service to a grateful nation! Bill Zaspel alias zeebill
I met the Colonel in ’67. I consider myself lucky to have walked a few steps beside this great man. Capt. Rest in peace Sir. Ernst-Ulrich Maas.
My father had the great pleasure of flying under (then) Colonel Olds’ command at Bentwaters, England. I was thirteen at the time, but remember him well; he was at our home often. I found him to be a consummate leader and gentleman. Later, my farther again was blessed to be assigned to the 555 Fighter Squadron in Ubon, Thailand. they flew together and made history together. A man of his courage, integrity and strength is rare. We have truly lost a world hero.
I was an Airpolice man at Ubon 1965–66, guarding the operation building.I’m honored to have seen and spoke with the General. I’M a docent at the Frontiers Of Flight museum, @ Love field, Dallas Tx. And I tell visiters of this courages american.
I helped open Ubon from George AFB. I am sorry to hear of our loss.
I live in Corpus Christi Texas now and go to Dallas often I would like to hear from the Dallas musem person’
Again sorry for our loss
I was an enlisted man in the USAF in ’67 serving at Tan Son Nhut AB in South Vietnam when Gen. Olds was commanding the 8th TFW. I don’t remember if it was because of coverage in the Stars and Strips or where but we often heard about this fantastic man and saw his pictures with the handlebar mustache. He became everyone’s hero during this time and I have never forgot him. I heard of his passing via email from many of my fellow Air Force buddies. We all highly respected this true American hero and I often think of him. Especially at times like this with the Memorial Weekend upon us.