The Robin Olds Story: Mustache, MiG Killer, And Standing Up To The President. A Maverick Ace Story

[@Dronescapes]

Click the link to watch more aircraft, heroes, and their stories, and missions: www.youtube.com/@Dronescapes

[@marypapak5759]

Thank you for this incredible piece on Robin. Very, very well done, and accurate. He was my uncle, my fathers older brother, and in addition to all of his military accomplishments, he was a loving, great father and uncle and grandfather ❤❤❤❤

[@tomeickhorst6787]

This man is what every officer should strive to be. To lead his men from the front and not to ask his men to do anything that he would not do first.

[@Im_Old_Gregg]

100% we need more men like Olds, and Hackworth today for sure.

[@I_have_Aquestion]

But then Robin Olds wouldn’t be special.

[@ltmc99]

Amen.

[@daviswall3319]

Indeed

[@tonyfernandotreml7616]

Yes! It really is!

[@spikymikie]

Robin Olds was the king of badassery in the USAF. I got to meet him when I was stationed at Seymor Johnson in 1985 during an airshow. The confidence he projected was amazing. And a super nice guy.

[@Dronescapes]

👍👍

[@marypapak5759]

He was my uncle, and everything you said is true❤

[@Jose-wd6kn]

@@marypapak5759insanely lucky

[@jessejames9854]

Brig. Gen. Olds Rest in Peace .. We need more people in the position of power like him. He was an icon!!

[@corydriver7634]

“You want to get something done in the service, go to the Sargents”. As a retired NCO I 100% agree.

[@oldgrunt5806]

A rare officer, especially a West Point grad. Understanding and appreciating what the people who work for you do is the mark of a true leader.

[@jimsharp5044]

NCOs run the military.

[@beerdrinker6452]

Sergeants.

[@gdolson9419]

As a retired Jarhead the comment "He came home disgusted with the failure of his government, but inspired by the accomplishments of his men." Pretty well mirrors my feelings as well.

[@mikelliteras397]

That was awesome. I’ve admired Robin Olds since the first time I read anything about him back in the early 80’s when I was 14 or 15. He is the model all officers should attempt to emulate. Cares for his men, loves his country, isn’t political and probably anything else that’s good in a person with his responsibilities. This was a great video, thank you very much for posting it. I’ve seen the history channel show on him 10 times but this is the first time I’ve seen this talk at the air show. I bet he had a years worth of stories a couple hours at a time. Thanks again for posting this, you made this old guys day👍

[@ricardocorbie6803]

Always the pilot,, he’s talking and some guys taking off,, he paused, said “ How come he gets to do that and I don’t ?” What a man!! 💜💜

[@jimfinlaw4537]

Wonderful presentation honoring one of Americas greatest fighter pilots. He established new standards in the field of battle in Vietnam. He put bombs on F-4 Phantoms so they could execute night interdiction missions against the North. By the time he left Vietnam and returned to the states, the wing in Thailand continued as a very well oiled machine due to Robin Olds organizational skills as a wing commander. A good friend of mine flew F-4E Phamtoms in that wing after Olds had left. On one night interdiction mission he forgot to switch off his NAV lights on his F-4E during a bombing run and it wasn't long when the North Vietmanese greeted him with anti-aircraft fire. Fortunately he wasn't hit, but he made sure he would never do that again. My friend flew 72 combat missions for that wing and they continued the tradition that was established by Robin Olds.

[@truck6859]

This man is an American legend! Thank you so much for posting!🇺🇲

[@trentk268]

Dude was a man's man and absolutely the right guy to straighten out top brass!

[@j.w.perkins6004]

Robin was the fighter pilots fighter pilot. A great commander, and leader. As you can tell from this presentation, he could hardly breathe. He passed witin a year. God Bless Robin Olds!

[@MalcolmRuthven]

What a great presentation on a great U.S. fighter pilot!

[@Dronescapes]

Thank you

[@joe-qo3qi]

Truly a first class soldier of the old school tradition. One of those rare type that commands respect and adoration setting the example to achieve success.

[@grahamcox8385]

Every time I see a video or clip of Robin olds I have so much admiration for the man, not just for being a ace fighter pilot and legend of air combat, but because he was a man who would get the job done no matter what the odds were, and he'd do it with charisma and a way that made people take notice and follow his instructions and example, a true hero, rest in peace sir Robin olds and much honour to you always 🙏🌹

[@ironbrigade6872]

A true American aviation warrior and hero. I wish I could have attended one of his speaches. RIP Ace Robin Olds

[@dawsondemontiney1247]

The joy he gets when retelling stories is awesome to see.

[@alexkalish8288]

I saw him a couple times at the UDON officers club. His mustache made him stand out - he was is serious shape, an athlete. the pilots there were devoted to him.

[@garyleibitzke4166]

I've read a couple of books about him. Absolutely outstanding man.

[@chrishensley6745]

The George Patton of the sky!!! What a man!

[@noapologizes2018]

This what Heroes are made of. Our young boys should be reading about men such as this. Instead, they have no real heroes and are taught to hate this country. Brave men like Robin Olds are few and far between. He was a Man's Man. Bravo Robin Olds. I salute you.

[@metalheartmachine]

His Autobiography is well worth reading; he is unflinchingly honest about his own behavior impacting his private life, a great read that I reread from time to time.

[@suecobandito8954]

He was also half brother to Gore Vidal, an author, by his mother. RAF mustaches-against regs-but done to foster morale in his pilots. Operation BOLO decimated the NVAF in one day. Note: Gore Vidal, who leaned left, apologized to his brother posthumously in a Playboy article after Olds' death. He reconciled and declared his brother a hero. Pat Conroy, another author whose classmates from the Citadel went to Vietnam while he dodged the draft (fled to Italy), later reconciled his antiwar actions and regretted his actions. My favorite quote from Olds is when they're dogfighting once, somebody pipes up on the radio asking where this is going on? Olds replies, "Hey, get your own."

[@Dronescapes]

I did not know about Vidal

[@suecobandito8954]

@@Dronescapes look, Gore Vidal wrote some epic novels, Lincoln, Kalki. He famously debated William F. Buckley on TV calling him a “crypto nazi”. Couldn’t have been more opposite from his brother. To me Robin Olds was the consummate fighter pilot. Long live the legend.

[@marypapak5759]

Step brother, his father married Gore Vidal’s mother, Nina

[@bobnewkirk7186]

Robin Olds has always been a personal hero. One of the finest officers in history, Regarding Vietnam - I have heard rumors that his air to air total in Asia was 7.

[@happymann1000]

It was a joy to hear this man's stories. Larger than life.

[@AnthonyEvelyn]

Yeah two things about Korea I really wished had happened in regards to the USAF: 1. The P/F-47N Thunderbolt being deployed as a effective ground support strike aircraft racking up even more destruction. 2. Robin Olds as group commander of F-86 Sabres shooting down MiGs and becoming an Ace there. But such is the reality of life, we might have lost him in Korea, who knows? He was in my opinion like Jimmy Doolittle, Americas Airman.

[@glenntremblay5406]

This man is an example of THE greatest generation that ever lived.

[@JamesPappas-ki8jc]

My dad was in Thailand with Col. Olds. He loved him and all the guys did too. Quite a leader, by example.

[@daviswall3319]

And don’t forget the contribution of JB Stone to Operation Bolo. Never underestimate a boy from Mississippi!!! Robin Olds is truly the greatest and he had some great men beside him as well.

[@76guzzi78]

What an unique and accomplished life! Thankyou for your service Sir, from Perth Western Australia

[@kevingreen3923]

I read his book "Fighter Pilot," and it is phenomenal. I would highly recommend reading it. It was kinda sad what happened at the end of his career. We need more men and officers like him. Those who aren't afraid of taking risks and bending the rules. A true legend and honorable man

[@skywarp1]

Robin Olds' mustache even has medals

[@robertp2934]

The number of missions he flew in Vietnam was extraordinary. He changed aviation warfare. RIP General Olds.

[@RagsHSC-7]

R.Olds May he fly in the heavens forever 🕊️❤️🕊️

[@Dronescapes]

👍

[@fyrdawg533]

General Olds is a "larger than life hero". At a time when young people idolize rappers, thugs and Socialists, we need more men like Gen. Olds. The USAF Academy and the USAF itself need the leadership and guidance of men like him. General "Chappie" James was General Olds "Vice-Commander" with the "Wolfpack" and went on to become the first Black Officer to become a 4-Star General. Two very "great men" who loved this nation. Almighty GOD, please send us more! GOD Bless their families!

[@donchristie420]

“Socialist”, where did that come from🤨

[@BruceStephan]

​@@donchristie420Morons believing in Fascist propaganda

[@Peter-od7op]

@@donchristie420have you paying attention to whats going on in last few years in USA

[@davidblack7184]

I said this on another yt channel and I'll repeat it here on this one . Robin Olds had balls of solid brass !

[@richardhall5221]

I have the highest respect for fighter pilots. That being said, they just don't make them like Robin Olds anymore. Salute to this hero.

[@khatokhato9350]

This man interview at very much extent inspired me. I did not anticipate so much humor, energy and experience blended in the single speech. God bless his soul, rest in peace. God bless America!

[@tootired76]

I have a 1/72 scale P 38 which I obtained Robin's Scat III decals for and I have a Revell 1/32 scale Phantom which I obtained Col. Olds decals for!!

[@kellywilson8440]

Colonel Robin Olds Scat f-4 is on display at the USAF museum in dayton ohio , Think it was part of the wolfpack squadron and what a sight to see , Robin is revered as one of the best pilots and officers is the US Air Force rest easy sir !

[@nukezat]

So we can say this was the real life Maverick

[@vivek27789]

True... Very True

[@DavidWolf-kf8rw]

Top Gun and Maverick are based on Cmdr. Randall “Duke” Cunningham, who flew the F-4 Phantom II in Vietnam and became the U.S. Navy’s only ace of the war!

[@rael5469]

One thing that is amazing, in ALL of those very old photos they don't put circles around Robin Olds. You can spot him instantly.

[@mxcollin95]

This guy was a national treasure and an absolute American badass!

[@56hueycobra]

Brigadier General Robin Olds Was a ACE and a Leader 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@realpropertymangement7640]

Our country and military need more leaders like Robin Olds!

[@asharma9345]

Sir Respect. No other Words.

[@Monza62000]

olds is so right about the Vietnam War

[@calebshuler1789]

A TRUE LIFE SUPERHERO. Ive been amazed, AMAZED at Robin Olds my whole life. As my father is a flyer. Him, and Yeager are my lifelong heros

[@simonetaormina7080]

When President Johnson asked him what can be done to end the war his answer was, you can allow us to win Mr President. Truly one Great fighter pilot. What he did with an F4 Phantom no one else could come close even to this day. A true American Hero a patriot thru and thru.

[@anthonymarcano2974]

When the F-4's got to 'nam, Colonel Olds baited North Vietnamese pilots into dog fights with the F-4's by making the strike packages look like the F-105's, which North Vietnam bit on. The F-4's tore 'em up. I heard stories about him in basic on '78. A real cowboy who I would have gone anywhere for.

[@Bigsky1991]

Robin Olds was one of my childhood heroes... I met several Pilots that flew with him. I built his MiG killer F-4 Phantom model.... yet never for an instant wanted to join the Air Force... I instead confounded my Grandfather Air Force Colonel/ WW2 B17 pilot by instead becoming an Air Cavalry Officer and Helo driver. I did however even as young E4 sport a prodigious Olds Mustasche back when we got away with that sort of thing! Gen. Olds...a US Military Aviation Legend!

[@markskonecki2050]

He was definitely one of a kind!!

[@jagers4xford471]

A great unforgettable American hero, I only wish I could have flown and skied with Gen. Robin Olds

[@jeffreypinder9398]

Excellent video, true American hero. General Olds is to be admired. Quite a funny man with a great sense of humor. They don't make them like him anymore. And he was right about johnson and mcnamara.

[@Dronescapes]

👍👍

[@skipschauer5535]

Robin Olds was the best fighter pilot ever....

[@briancorley1991]

They don't make them like this anymore, absolute legend, thank you Sir from the 🇬🇧

[@russvoight1167]

Col. Olds didn't sit out Korea, he was prevented due to his wife's connections

[@pclayton5063]

Met him in the F-4 flight simulator section at Luke AFB, AZ in 1972 or 73.

[@Dronescapes]

Wow

[@bubbajeph]

He grew up in my city Hampton VA. His dad was stationed at Langley Field (Langley AFB). He went to Hampton High School.

[@Im_Old_Gregg]

If only the top levels of the DOD and government had the courage and integrity of the men doing the fighting...We'd be in a lot better place as a country and human race

[@mikelliteras397]

If they had the integrity of men like him, there would be a lot less wars and those would be over a lot quicker.

[@robertmartello9882]

My man, Robin Olds!

[@Rebel-Rouser]

He was a true officer of men. Great fighter pilot and then some.

[@studuerson2548]

He was Commandant at USAFA, when I was there. It was pretty simple. He was a Man, who was emulated by men. I'll quote Shakespeare. "He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again." And he was right, about airplanes. You don't get into an airplane and fly it. Once it all clicks, you stap an airplane on your ass, and you FLY.

[@Dronescapes]

👍👍

[@12345directioner]

He brought my Dad, Al Homstead, to the USAFA in 1970 to run the airfield and coach the parachute team. My Dad flew under his command in Vietnam.

[@USNveteran]

Mining the harbors is an act of war? What was their attack on the USS Maddox then? We should have declared war right after that or never sent advisors and stayed out of it. Loved the book "Fighter Pilot" and think General Olds was as bad as they come. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!

[@NBZW]

My two heroes during the war, Joe Foss and Robin Olds. Had the pleasure of meeting Foss.

[@oliverbaier407]

7:40 That is my key experience in service! Go to the sergeants, they know how to put it in the right way

[@jimsteinway695]

I was in the same squadron Robin was. Much later. 561 TFS wild weasels

[@tim7052]

A great man and pilot. 👍

[@kevinmccorkle7476]

We could sure use leadership like that right about now....

[@kinch613]

This man was my hero growing up and why I webt into AF and why I wanted ro fly. I was devastated when in AFROTC at thee Ohio State University, I was informed my eyesight would DQ me from UPT Undergraduate Pilot School. So I enlisted just so I could possibly work for a man and an officer of his caliber. The stache is epic and to this day is still worn in respect. May God please keep Colonel Olds watching over us in the skies. 🇺🇸🫡

[@tron.44]

This is what i wanted my USAF career to be...instead i was medically retired as a 2M052. Damn it.

[@waynewilliams8554]

@tron.44 Thank you for serving our Country!!

[@mkii1964]

Legend and a true hero!!

[@josephmumma6997]

A true American legend and hero that is greatly missed. It’s men like this that is the reason why we still speak English.

[@Dronescapes]

Well said

[@PattMcCrotch]

22:18 The man holding Olds here on the right is my wives uncle. Bill Kirk, USAF ret., he actually gave Olds his check out flight in the F-4 before both heading off to Vietnam to fly together. Kirk would retire a 4-star general in 1989 and be credited with founding Red Flag

[@screddot7074]

I didn't know about Col. Olds when I was in the USAF, 70 - 72. I wish I had.

[@michaelsullivan2554]

Not just a hero, a national treasure as far as I'm concerned.

[@jamesburns2232]

General Robin Olds gave a speech at the Boeing Museum of Flight and said "Without a secure Southern Border, we have no idea of how many terrorists we are letting into the USA." His insight came from being where the rubber meets the road. 🤠

[@NoahSpurrier]

Brilliant.

[@Dronescapes]

👍

[@Johnny-ql2vd]

Colonel Robin Olds …… Modern day hero ! Was a crew chief on the F-4 E/G (Wild Weasels) at George, AFB in the late 70’s. We worked hard and played hard ! Peace/Cheers

[@russvoight1167]

Curtis LeMay was Robert Olds' navigator in the early years

[@joconnor3567]

Bombs away Lemay!

[@vernonjohnsonjr7389]

I wish they would make a movie about this man. They still have some F- 4s thats flying and with a good director a good script and stories from crew members and archive footage could make this movie realistic

[@NGT_C7]

Salute And Respect

[@lesevans6567]

Great video! True American hero!!!

[@jafo766]

The Marlboro Man for real ! what little boy wanted to be a firefighter after seeing this dude climb into an F-4 Phantom....NONE !

[@jrhamp]

Great and dedicated Amerian..hero! RIP Robin!

[@graceporte2470]

his a great pilot an ace pilot...

[@matteocrotti6781]

Mio Dio! Che video! Grandissimo ACE!

[@speedracer2336]

He looks like a real fighter pilot!

[@Dronescapes]

He embodied the ultimate pilot

[@calebshuler1789]

To ALL our great POSTHUMOUS Veterans, WE SHALL NEVER GIVE UP FOR OUR HOME!!! YOUR SACRIFICES, BY GOD, WONT GO IN VAIN!!!!

[@NexusEight]

What a legend!

[@Dronescapes]

👍🇺🇸

[@garymartin9777]

Olds was cut from the same cloth as Pappy Boyington. He would rather be in a fight than anywhere else.

[@viperdriver82]

That Stache tho ….💪🏽

[@myprivatewar]

Mr. Olds = 🐐🐐🐐

[@abrahamreyes4535]

A true fighter ace!

[@russhoffman6301]

The only thing Chuck Norris was afraid of was Robin Olds mustache....

[@sergioleone3583]

It may just be me, but I find it very interesting that though they are very different people other than being great leaders and speakers, that Dr. Chuck Missler and General Robin Olds sound very similar when they spoke, in diction, ;tone, humor and such.

[@foxstrangler]

When Korea was taking place, Robin Olds was an exchange officer with the Royal Air Force. He commanded No 1 squadron RAF. The only American officer ever to command an RAF sqn. It is said there is a glass case in the Pentagon, with a statue of Brig Gen Olds inside. The notice on the case says 'In case of war, break glass'.

[@vanessacadaocadao1981]

An amazing human being and a man! God rest his sole.

[@marypapak5759]

He was also a wonderful, loving father and uncle❤

[@vanessacadaocadao1981]

I didn’t say that

[@marypapak5759]

I’m saying that, as his neice

[@marypapak5759]

PS. Sole is fish. “Soul” is what you meant

[@vanessacadaocadao1981]

I think my dad said that

[@stalag14]

Greatest generation

[@Howdy76]

That was a real man

[@3dfreak2000]

I think Tom Cruise due to his passion for aviation, should produce a movie based on the biography of Robin Olds. Chris Pratt could be the perfect cast as him. We need movies that show real heroes and someone that gives us an example of real American values. Also, if it is done with respect, and totally away of the current politics that infects Holywood, such movie will be a blast.

[@Dronescapes]

That would be a good idea

[@DavidWolf-kf8rw]

Top Gun and Maverick are based on Cmdr. Randall “Duke” Cunningham, who flew the F-4 Phantom II in Vietnam and became the U.S. Navy’s only pilot ace of the war

[@Dronescapes]

We will soon have a biography on Cunningham on the channel