Robin Olds & Steve Ritchie - MIG Killers in Vietnam

[@lutherdiamond1281]

My father worked in the 8th Tactical Fighter wing as Olds and Ritchie's aircraft electrician on their F4 Phantoms. At 1 minute and 14 seconds on this video, he is the person to the far left of the screen in the sun glasses.

[@ilovenoodles7483]

Pretty cool. Tell him thank you for his service. My dad also worked with these guys but he's not in the video. Thank God for the nite owls.

[@1Truckman]

As an old weapons release mechanic from that era, I can still recall what it was like working under an F-4 with both engines wound up trying to get all four bolts started on a missile launcher so the aircraft could be cleared for its mission...When I first read in the Stars & Stripes of Col. Olds and his rebellious ways, I grew the same mustache I wear today...It will soon celebrate its 49th birthday...

[@lennyd.9270]

I was a fuel system mechanic on the F4s. Never lost one because of our mistake. Engine lost 2. Sad day.

[@robertmantell1700]

You should put a pic of that up instead of that geezer......!!!

[@robertmantell1700]

"...unfortunately nothing worked, you know?" I fuckin love it. The man was something else. Like him or not he was for sure one of the USAF's most talented leaders.

[@CopyNinja87]

I think Americans should honor war heroes like him, and stop paying attention or glorifying insignificant celebrities like Kim Kardashian and others. Seriously, much respect to this man, and I'm not even an American.

[@juno4494]

American or not, you nailed it!

[@bransontate4668]

I was at NKP at the time Col Olds was at Ubon. Each time we learned that he had another kill, all 85 of us stationed there at the time would celebrate.

[@kevinnorwood8782]

As an avid lover of military history and aviation history, I would have loved to meet Robin Olds in person before he died. Sadly, that will never happen now.

[@MUSTANG_P51]

I am the same. I absolutely love military and aviation history and also wanted to meet Olds.

[@leegacy3099]

To be under the command of such a leader would be worth more than any medal.

[@Rocket4Barrel]

A fine tribute to two great fighter pilots, Robin Olds was a mans man, an all american offensive lineman at West Point, and one of the greatest pilots the U.S. Air Force has ever had, he was the "Pappy Boyington" of Vietnam, and was able to hang with and even outfly some of those fighter jocks half his age. A true warrior and american hero who cared about and loved his men that flew under his great leadership. Steve Ritchie another american hero, who picked up the torch when Old's was sent home.

[@saburusakai]

Magnificent. I remember this well as I was in HS at the time, loved it. They could have done so much more if they had the rules of engagement lifted as they did in 72. Sometimes history repeats itself it seems.

[@kingtigerbooks1162]

The MiG-21 is my favorite aircraft. Maybe not as fast as the Eagle but it's gonna sneak up on them enemy jets real quiet-like and put a heat seeker in their tail pipes. My neighbor is an old F-4 Phantom pilot and he said he fought one in Vietnam but it got away. He had his share of close calls and narrow escapes from MiGs. He even test flew the then-new F-4 Phantom supersonic at just 10 feet above the ocean, as per orders. I keep telling him to write a book These are my 3 favorite aviation books: - Her Majesty's Top Gun by Sharkey Ward - In the Claws of the Tomcat by Tom Cooper - Great Fighter Jets of the Galaxy 1 by Tim Gibson

[@CAL2177]

I arrived in Ubon after Col. Olds had already rotated back to the states. Even then, his and Chappy James' names were spoken with reverence and awe.

[@jeffrielley920]

I was a crew chief on F-4's and those things could be a nightmare. Ask your dad about the aux air doors. If he ever had to work under the jet when it was running he'll know what I'm talking about.

[@Mike-01234]

Wasn't Robin Olds one of the few Fighter Pilots to actually flew combat in WW2 with P-51's and also in Vietnam with F-4 Phantom's. I could only wonder what the new younger thought must have really been lucky to fly with a WW2 fighter pilot that many years of experience. What an amazing guy too bad we are losing so many WW2 vets now most of the pilots are gone next 5 years probably all will be gone.

[@lightsaber1998]

If I am not wrong, Olds flew the P38, not the P51

[@Mike-01234]

lightsaber1998 It was my understanding from the interviews I have seen he flew both first he P-38 then later the P-51. I think he flew near the end of the war 44-45 51's had become much more used. I don't think their will ever be American's like this again. WW2 was the last of the pilots who took great risk. The had no backup or radio's that could hook up with a satellite. Their navigation was a radio beacon. If you bailed out your on your own no helicopters were going to come. Then to fly in Vietnam as well.

[@AlanRoehrich9651]

Robin Olds scored his first victories against the Luftwaffe in a Lockheed P-38. He shot down three in one mission, and two in another. His unit did transition to the P-51, and he scored several in it as well. He was kept out of Korea. He managed to avoid promotion to general, and be sent to Vietnam instead, where he officially scored 4 victories. He refused to claim any more, even up until his passing. When asked, he always smiled, or laughed, and there was a twinkle in his eye. His daughter finished his biography, and says that he would never even tell her he scored more than 4.

[@elbronco80]

1:00 - Captain Everett Raspberry, who flew with Col Olds on Operation Bolo and shot down a MiG 21.

[@1z1q]

Two of my al time favorite fighter pilots Cyberarmy.. man you just keep getting better and better videos and I didnot think that was even possible because you already produce the best by miles and miles .. btw "Boots" Blesse is another great fighter pilot. but I would have to go with the "old man' Robin Olds as my favorite..

[@propatria6697]

Troomp🔥

[@VMA225]

Outstanding !!!

[@robertmantell5466]

RIP Col Olds. You are one of my heroes, along with Capt Ritchie, Watterhan, Stone, and others. You guys were there and made it work. I had no idea that Steve downed all of his MiGs with Sparrows. So much for that being a shitty weapon lol.....

[@elbronco80]

Actually, they were in Vietnam. Even Ritchie himself said only 11 out of every 100 fired hit their targets. Most never guided, just fell off, or never came off the rail.

[@juno4494]

I'm very familiar with Sierra Hotel from my Navy days, but what does Foxtrot Bravo refer to?

[@miner333]

My Dad served under him, he was the Wing Commander @ Bentwaters, and Woodbridge I think he was in charge of both, I had a crush on one of his daughters.

[@Lyndi123123]

Ritchie's fellow pilots were frequently asked to back off as Ritchie's jet was vectored in for the kill. Why? The USAF needed an ace.

[@ilovenoodles7483]

Correct. Because the Navy already had them right? The Ritchie guy was set up and I know for a fact. This Ritchie, much love to him, bit I met him in person and he was.stuck up especially when he found out that I knew the truth. What else do you know. Ritchie needed the kill to reach ace status. But the AF already had Aces, what do you think Robin Old's was?!

[@ilovenoodles7483]

And it was the good men at Ubon who were asked to let Ritchie have it. The crew at Ubon was told that Udorn needed an Ace. We forgive Ritchie for being bigheaded. Much love and respect to all. Thank you guys!! Best men and fighters ever, especially Wolfpack and 497th Nite Owls.

[@Thewraith1966]

One of the True heroes, Salute, may you R.I.P. Commander!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BilgePump]

Although ther was a F4 missle, I think Col. North meant to say AIM7 Sparrow.

[@Doogle927]

I arrived at Ubon after Col,Olds had departed (early 69 thru early 70)....everyone grew a mustache to honor Olds. Although mine, like most, eventually would turn into an illegal Fu-manchu...if it didn't get outrageous...it would be overlooked, it was an unspoken normality, an understanding. He valued his airmen, and his crews earned numerous awards and commendations....I cherish mine.

[@andrewward9601]

Nice one Ritchie.....

[@AngelofDeath595]

i always thourght that only the U.S. Navy had combat aces in Vietnam but this shows that so did the U.S. Air Force also had aces too cool nice cilp

[@MrLuvOldies]

Thanks. Great video.Mmmmmmmm

[@dragonworld2008]

the man of the year

[@rafaelquintana8816]

They were both Sierra Hotel pilots... or, as you prefer, SHIT HOT PILOTS!

[@pianoz4u1]

I was a young Sgt at Ubon the home of the Wolf Pack in 71.

[@ThuongEm2006]

wow movies in vietnam

[@robertmantell5466]

I can't imagine what that would be like to get a personal MSG from Col. Olds. It'd be like me getting a MSG from any of the Midgetts or Master Chief McAdams lol......

[@Dylan-gy9ju]

feel the Power of Shao kahn

[@sufianansari4923]

Who narrating this video? Sounds like Mr Sticklen from Back to the Future!

[@elbronco80]

You mean the carrier captain from Top Gun - ha. Same actor.

[@P51F86F4F15F22]

alot but not all but he germans made the v formation that all airforces use today

[@60vanbaker]

I arrived at Ubon Jan 69 from Utapao I stayed until May 69. Proud to have been associated with the "WOLFPACK". I grew my mustache before leaving Pope AFB for Thailand man were they pissed about that the chickenshit SOB's Oh yeah I still have it to this day. A hand salute to Robin Olds and all other men in blue.

[@AVMamfortas]

Good stuff. But 'go home with 5'? Total of 17 kills in 250 missions? Try 303 (Polish) Sqd RAF in the Battle of Britain. More 'Aces' than you can shake a joystick at.

[@danny1229c]

oh and i didn't know you were a supper power if we ever have a war on late night meals i'll give you a call ;-)

[@edersonbitencourt]

Freddie Mercury pilot??

[@danny1229c]

GOD BLESS THE BRITISH who founded TOP GUN to teach American fighter pilots advanced tactics and dog fight maneuvers eh ! and GOD BLESS all the allies who keep the west safe

[@darbyheavey406]

17 + who knows?

[@Legend813a]

NEEDS MORE ECHO

[@flyerboy2594]

nah im cool

[@ricdon1515]

Blackman and Robin............and it was not meant as offensive, their words not mine.

[@jamesmanky7314]

Chappie!

[@elbronco80]

You should direct a movie about these guys.

[@P51F86F4F15F22]

wow ur wrong about alot of things buddie first of all it was the united states that invented top gun second we are a world supper power we protect britain and they protect us

[@MP_Single_Coil]

DeBelvue

[@P51F86F4F15F22]

Fox News!!!!! yea

[@joepapp01]

Amazing how only Fox News channel could take a great topic and two genuine American heros and turn it all into a slick piece of uncomfortable propaganda.