Video from the Past [37] - Robin Olds

Video from the Past [37] - Robin Olds
DISCLAIMER: This interview was taken from the "Timeless Voices" series available on the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association).
Robin Olds was an American fighter pilot and general officer in the U.S. Air Force. He was a "triple ace", with a combined total of 16 victories in World War II and the Vietnam War. He retired in 1973 as a brigadier general.
The son of regular Army Maj. Gen. Robert Olds, educated at West Point, and the product of an upbringing in the early years of the U.S. Army Air Corps, Olds epitomized the youthful World War II fighter pilot. He remained in the service as it became the United States Air Force, despite often being at odds with its leadership, and was one of its pioneer jet pilots. Rising to the command of two fighter wings, Olds is regarded among aviation historians, and his peers, as the best wing commander of the Vietnam War, for both his air-fighting skills, and his reputation as a combat leader.
Robin Olds flew the P-38 Lightning and the P-51 Mustang, but the highlight of his career was the Vietnam War. He planned a mission designed to draw the North Vietnamese Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21s into an aerial trap, and the now famous "Operation Bolo" resulted. The mission was planned in response to North Vietnamese tactics during the Operation Rolling Thunder aerial-bombardment campaign wherein MiGs were used to attack heavily loaded fighter-bombers while circumventing their fighter escorts. The mission featured fighter planes following the typical flight paths of bombers in order to lure enemy aircraft into attacking. Bolo pitted the F-4 Phantom II multirole fighter against its rival, the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 interceptor, and was considered to be one of the most successful combat ruses of all time, eventually prompting VPAF pilots and strategists, as well as Soviet tacticians, to re-evaluate the tactics and deployment of the MiG-21.
Olds was promoted to brigadier general after returning from Vietnam but did not hold another major command. The remainder of his career was spent in non-operational positions, as Commandant of Cadets at the United States Air Force Academy and as an official in the Air Force Inspector General's Office. His inability to rise higher as a general officer is attributed to both his maverick views and his penchant for drinking.
Olds had a highly publicized career and life, including marriage to Hollywood actress Ella Raines. As a young man he was also recognized for his athletic prowess in both high school and college, being named an All American for his play as a lineman in American football. Olds expressed his philosophy regarding fighter pilots in the quote: "There are pilots and there are pilots; with the good ones, it is inborn. You can't teach it. If you are a fighter pilot, you have to be willing to take risks."

[@havedrill1]

When are they going to do a movie about this larger than life man. West Point grad, ww2 ace, married a movie star, F-4 fighter pilot with Mig kills in Vietnam, responsible for a mission that down the most Migs in one day during the entire war. Sounds like a Spielberg blockbuster movie to me.

[@jaik195701]

No actor alive could pull it off. Paul Newman could have maybe done it. I thought maybe McQueen because of his confidence and catlike grace and competence with machines but he’s a bit less warm that Gen Olds

[@fredcampos762]

@@jaik195701 you are correct.

[@mikewolf5538]

I was listening to this while driving. I have watched everything I can find on Robin Olds and thinking how I wish they would make a movie on him and looked down and saw your comment. I too wish someone would make a movie! Instead we get mostly crap out of Hollywood as always.

[@Nepthy66]

I would suggest Tom Hanks and his connection with Spielberg would do the right thing and cast the right actor.Its about the the right director to get the story "right":. That was band of brothers, the pacific, greyhgound, and saving private ryan.

[@havedrill1]

@@Nepthy66 I would agree. Olds life story is like a movie. They wouldn't even have to make things up to make it exciting. Just tell his story.

[@Buelligan88]

Read his biography a few years ago and was enthralled by every word of it. What a life this guy had.

[@SmoggyFroggy]

Robin Olds is not just one of the greatest fighter pilots, or Americans, but human beings that has graced earth.

[@nigeh5326]

Brit here Robin Olds is indicative of the best pilots of any nation. Guts ability determination and a dislike of b.s. RIP sir an American hero.

[@ChuckOwl]

Nigel Hodgetts Operation Bolo is proof that Olds was not only a great pilot, but a true leader and an outstanding tactician. He came to 'nam at a time where the morale of US pilots (especially Thunderchief crews) was at an all-time low. He forced the USAF to change its tactics and most of the concepts he helped to enforce in pilots' heads are still in use today. He proved that dogfighting was not only an art, but it was and always will be relevant. It always makes me chuckle when I watch interviews where some historians explain how dogfighting was thought (by high ranking USAF staff) to be obsolete at the beginning of the Vietnam war and how the use of missiles was supposed to end the need for brains and guts. Robin Olds proved them all wrong. What a man.

[@usafvet100]

+Chuck Owl Olds was a fighter jock's fighter jock with outstanding stick n' rudder skills, aggressiveness, leadership,and disdain for "by the book" regs when they interfered with the job at hand. His acid comments about the Pentagon mentality of the day require no elaboration.

[@robertmantell5466]

I think it shows that he was able to recognize the abilities of the men serving underneath him and his own limitations. Bolo was planned by pilots junior to Olds but experienced in theater and fighting in the F-4. Other commanders might not have been so comfy letting "junior" members plan such a high profile operation.

[@jimthompson471]

I was Gen. Olds personally and Administrative officer Tripoli Libiya 1956-58 AWonderful leader who hated paper work 😀😃

[@daviswall3319]

Yes indeed and in reference to Bolo, never forget the little fighter pilot from Mississippi, JB Stone-

[@jamesbell9714]

And I was with ROBIN OLDS @8Th TFW WOLF PACK 1967/68 love that Guy great man and loved his Troops.

[@paulsudderth5563]

Met him and Chappy James at Takhli in 1967

[@billkipper3264]

I have had the honor and pleasure of speaking with General Olds several times. The first time I spoke with him he was actually surprised that I knew who he was. He was truly a humble and gracious man and a true American Hero. There is a story that a mannequin dressed as the General in a flight suit is in a glass case at the pentagon with a sign that reads, "in case of war break glass".

[@dotsch62]

Met him and interviewed Gen Olds in '92 at Oshkosh. I think this was the interview I conducted with him for a TSN (The Sports net) called the Sky's the Limit. He was an amazing person and a great interview. A rare pilot, who was not only exceptional, but who was able to describe his exploits so well. Our show foxused on the reunion of Gen Olds with Gen Chuck Yeager, whom I also had the pleasure to meet. The two men were meeting for the first time in decades, and enjoying their first flight in Old's WWII P-51. Wha great experience for me.

[@randyd2906]

Robin Olds was a great pilot and a great man. He came from a time when principles mattered and men weren't afraid to be men.

[@raynus1160]

The epitome of cool.

[@josephgunter7830]

Truly a great warrior..outstanding ..pilot...great leader of men...and a great American...outstanding job mr.Olds...My God rest your Soul.....

[@havedrill1]

I still remember when Robin Olds died. Hardly any news outlet even notice. But the saddest part came weeks later. His things, flight suits, badges and photos were being auction off online. Broke my heart. Sad.

[@Mike-01234]

How did that happen? Who was doing that his daughter doesn't seem like someone who would auction them off.

[@havedrill1]

@@Mike-01234 yes, unfortunately the IRS came after him. He wouldn’t be the first war hero to die penniless. He deserves better. He needs his own movie.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@jackharle1251]

This film is worth it's weight in gold. An outlaw like no other.

[@brianmcgovern9005]

How do you not like Robin Olds.

[@Sharpbevel]

Back when a man could use his initiative and if he screwed up you could get a second chance. A real man right here.

[@garyrunnalls7714]

Love Robin, we all miss him.

[@phantomf4747]

Guy was my hero growing up. In the 4th grade, while asked to write a 2 page essay on your "hero" I turned in a 17 page report complete with references of this amazing aviator.

[@catfish252]

One of Americas finest Airman.

[@jamesbishop8233]

Col. Robin Olds Tells the Truth like it is and was back then If you listen real close to this Interview.

[@bigbaba1111]

amazing pilot and comander.

[@lovegarbage]

What a wonderful man.

[@lennyd.9270]

Always my hero. Rest in peace Sir 💕

[@2-Hands]

He took care of HIS people and they took care of HIM, unlike today's Air Force... "Thank You" for my FREEDOM, General Olds.

[@ilovenoodles7483]

Right! My Daddy was one of them too. Look up a song on KZbin called "Wolfpack's Houseboy" by Dick Jonas. It tells the story of history straight from the guys that were there with Robin Olds and the guys that worked with him. My daddy always said the best people to be around are the people that you work "_with_" as opposed to work - "for." Robin Olds and the whole Wolfpack, even after him, were those guys.

[@raymondkarl]

Just finished his book. The man was an American treasure. This is an excellent interview. It tracks Gen. Olds' memoirs very closely.

[@victor-emmanuel7485]

Karl Schroeder What book? I want to buy it.... What a man!

[@raymondkarl]

The book is entitled "Fighter Pilot". It is Robin Olds' memoirs compiled from his rough manuscripts and diaries by his daughter Christina and a fellow fighter pilot named Ed Rasimus. The book is written in the first person. Highly recommended. It's available on Amazon.

[@ChuckOwl]

Karl Schroeder I have it too in my library. It is truly a fascinating read.

[@raymondkarl]

***** The book is entitled "Fighter Pilot". It is Robin Olds' memoirs compiled from his rough manuscripts and diaries by his daughter Christina and a fellow fighter pilot named Ed Rasimus. The book is written in the first person. Highly recommended. It's available on Amazon.

[@ChuckOwl]

Ed Rasimus' books are a riveting read, especially Palace Cobra and When Thunder Rolled.

[@gho3tsoldier1]

this man was a living legend..awesome man..RIP

[@raynus1160]

Yeager did some great things, but this guy was THE fighter pilot. I could listen to his interviews for hours - this is what real leadership looks like.

[@filthydisgustingape5354]

An interesting factoid: after Olds had finished his tour of leadership with 'The Wolfpack', instead of sending him to a position training fighter pilots for combat, he was sent to the Airforce academy training kids who were nowhere near getting ready for combat flying. Olds apparently never had a problem speaking his mind, and that did NOT endear him with the Brass so he got 'exiled'. Too bad they kept him out of Korea too. Imagine if he shot down aircraft in all three wars.

[@frederikvanweezendonk1124]

@@filthydisgustingape5354 I would say that his influence at USAF Academy probably affected way more future officers (and future pilots) than he could have had as a flight instructor. Being a fighter pilot is part stick n rudder, part tactics....and a whole lot of aggression, leadership, perseverance, and attitude! He had it all. Erik USAFA 94

[@filthydisgustingape5354]

@@frederikvanweezendonk1124 ok fair enough

[@buckbuchanan5849]

I was standing in the squadron room at Columbus AFB back early 2000's. Saw an older gentlemen walk in, looking at the briefing board, getting a tour. Everyone asking, who is that guy? Well, it was none other than Colonel Olds. Man, it was hallowed ground around there then, we all standing around listening to him tell some stories. What an awesome dude.

[@vivek27789]

I believe he was A Brigadier General right?🤔

[@buckbuchanan5849]

@@vivek27789 Most likely he was. He was wearing civies, and quite frankly that was a while ago, lol

[@jacovanlith5082]

This man is GREAT.

[@cmcer1995]

What an amazing man. One heck of a Warrior. They do not make many like him anymore, but luckily for us there are still a few that go beyond the call to serve this country. This was very enjoyable to listen too, great stories on by gone days. A True American Hero!!

[@stuartgarfatth1448]

An incredible person!.

[@panzerken]

Greatest USAF combat commander! Who could ever ascend to the lofty heights which he had occupied for so long.RIP

[@thomashuismann919]

I met him at Oshkosh, he treated me like a friend, and we talked about fighter tactics for about a half hour. He was one of my heroes.

[@Tatiana7.62]

Unbelievable... Such a legend!

[@ALVIEDZANE]

This is how rare Robin Olds is; He is the only person enshrined in both the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.

[@mirkogolob2331]

Best ACE we had!!! Best one....😕wish i had an instructor like him.

[@BeagJohn]

A Great Fighter Pilot and Leader. An American Hero.

[@firefly3981]

viewed late Dec. 2020. a Real American Hero

[@Jamescc2ify]

Robin Olds, a great pilot coupled with a great LEADER, the kind of iron human man it takes to face and tackle serious situations, issues. The kind of man the world needs to go forward because it is that kind of person we need to look up to ! Manager with guts ! One word only stands rightly for him: RESPECT !

[@kristofertogun9688]

Salute To A Great American War Hero; RIP Sir

[@timtimm9199]

It's said that Gen. Olds mustache had 2 kills also. Levity aside, a good man, a great pilot, fighter and leader. We need more like him today

[@Plydrms]

I was mesmerized, wish that I could of met that guy,

[@DD-sw1dd]

I need to get this mans book. I can already tell is love it if it's anything like this interview. Love WW2 and Vietnam vets stories.

[@renaissancemarinetv3536]

+Dereck Dunn i just finished "fighter pilot" and its awesome.

[@lennyd.9270]

A true national treasure ❤

[@Darthbelal]

Damn good leader and a damn good man. Someone I really do look up to.......

[@danpiraino]

Excellent - Need more like him #SemperFi

[@stephenchristensen4323]

God Bless you Sir. Have just ordered your book from our local store, have spent all morning watching and listening to your interviews, archival footage, your daughters' speech about your life was terrific, what a man ! Gratitude from a current Royal Australian Air Force serviceman.

[@edwardstone3255]

Back in the 70's I was the honor graduate of an Air Force NCO leadership school. Olds was the person who presented the award. Yes, it was an honor; probably more of an honor than my position in the class.

[@stuartgarfatth1448]

Kid, you better believe it!

[@patreidcocolditzcastle632]

hats off to u sir.brilliant career....a example of a hero

[@andyread4332]

One of my heros!

[@heidiholiday1879]

A true American Hero. RIP.

[@WeGoWalk]

Wow. What a man! Thank you, sir, for your wisdom and compassion for others.

[@ThomasSchick]

...What a life!

[@tkso.philly-7868]

This man deserves at the very least,a base named after him, for he Surely has Earned his Wings, From Here to Eternity-

[@tomshiba51]

Robin Olds. A true individual who focused on his career as a fighter pilot. I like how he took charge of his future by ignoring nitpicking protocol and getting the results that would propel him into the roll of a leader. I put him right up there with Billy Mitchell and Chuck Yeager. He was not afraid to speak honestly, a trait we desperately need today to combat political correctness.

[@jeffjoseph]

Just read Chuck Yeager's 1993 Autobio. Must read . Been airplane nut since age 5 , still am . I was @ Ubon when Col Olds arrived . I was processing out and left 4 days after he arrived.

[@RonLinthicum]

Yes, the political correctness that the sheeple now live in.This man is a subject in the way I, and everyone should lead their life.

[@tomshiba51]

I have read Chuck's autobiography. Enjoyed the movie The Right Stuff, but, as usual, his book cleared up a lot.

[@tomshiba51]

I forgot to include Jimmy Dolittle in the list of true individual aviation icons.

[@WJSpies]

Robin Olds one of a kind, a legend! Best in kind..

[@AvengerII]

The book Robin Olds, "Fighter Pilot" is excellent. It's one of the best military autobiographies I've ever read. The other thing I'd like to add -- his F-4C (Scat XXVII, the last fighter he flew in combat) was preserved. It's in the AF Museum. One thing they neglected to do was follow his instruction to leave the plane "conserved" with all the dings and worn paint. (Basically the way it looked during the Vietnam War.) The anal-retentive curators went ahead and gave the airframe a new coat of paint!

[@DD-sw1dd]

That sucks that they repainted it. Really ruins the whole experience of viewing it IMO. Maybe preservation had something to do with their decision. But who knows. Seems like they could apply something else besides paint if that was the case.

[@RonLinthicum]

Totally agree.

[@shaantoor3329]

Best ACE we had!!! Best one....😕wish i had an instructor like him.

[@saleemwaheed9956]

A real goddam Legend!

[@luckynumbersevuuun]

Building the Italeri F-4D this week, i decided to go with the Robin Olds plane. Reminds me of my grandfather, there are no more men like this.

[@injerin3705]

Great job Chuck!

[@ernesthendrickson7379]

He was the greatest. Simple as that... in every way!!!

[@robertmorey4104]

Holy cow, shot down a German w both engines out on a P38. The man is a legend (still). Gotta get the book. The story told by his daughter is phenomenal. The "right stuff" for sure. Thank God for men like him, Francis Gabreski, Bud Anderson, Chuck Yeager and others. Awesome.

[@radedg]

This man is a legend. Thank you very much for uploading these series, Chuck! Never heard of them before. Now, I m gonna enjoy watching them! :D ~S~

[@carlbyron7367]

I had the pleasure of meeting general Robin olds while we were both visiting the air Force museum.he as there to see his f4 .phantom.my wife took a picture of us both that I treasure for ever

[@briangoldy8784]

My Hero.....................How to Define a Maverick,, ...........=General, Robin Olds.

[@ctsstewart1518]

As a former Air Force pilot. Robin Olds is one of a kind. Amazing man of courage that everyone that served under him would do anything for. They loved serving for him. I do not understand why there’s not a movie about his life. He’s a true American hero.

[@matthewgrissop9408]

I am so so graciously thankful for Robin Olds. He is exactly what a leader is and he cared about the men that flew with him and he cared about all of our soldiers being the very best they all could be. If I would have been a pilot in either of the wars I would absolutely want Olds as my leader

[@davidduncan1444]

Respect from UK..

[@mathias369]

Legend

[@mikeoreilly7122]

Good on you Sir ~ making changes to increase survival! My cousin Pilot Officer Mark McGrath was flying with the Royal Australian Air Force in 1967 in Aussie re-built Sabres. Regrettably he died in January 68 when making a forced landing just outside the base and hit a family home, in which a young person too was killed. A very sad time then - and today we still miss him. Great video thanks from an Aussie.

[@beerbomber1]

The Marines had Puller, the Army had Patton, the Navy had Nimitz, we had Robin Olds.

[@stuartgarfatth1448]

Fuck yeah!.

[@anomaly983]

Dam right.

[@m8081679]

A tremendous leader who did great credit to himself. Forged in the days when aircraft were made of wood but men were made of steel.

[@guarenchafa4912]

A true leader!

[@Jman4535]

His biography "fighter pilot" is a must for any fan of combat pilot history. He cut his teeth in ww2 battling the nazi's and flew a phantom jet in Vietnam outmaneuvering MiGs. He is mostly likely part of the inspiration for Maverick's character in top gun.

[@trob1173]

When talking about new pilots coming to Vietnam, you could tell he was seeing all their faces and remembering. This guy was a man's, man. I was in the army infantry and my buddies and I knew who he was. RIP sir!

[@simonhellier7281]

The right stuff. Former CO of No 1 Sqn Royal Air Force.

[@homefront3162]

My Dad flew Recon in F-4's in Nam (Navy)

[@timf2279]

What a great guy. He knew the difference between a Boss and a Leader. His troops were his greatest asset, as he was their's. I'm sorry he missed out on Korea, he would have been an ace there as well. I would have loved to been grilling steaks and having drinks with the man. I wouldn't done much talking, it would have been all him. A movie on his life would be fantastic, I hope one day.

[@HappyValley9345]

Ya'll should read his book "Fighter Pilot." Truly awesome book telling his life and I wish it just never ended.

[@themainproblem]

What a remarkably great guy. I wish that I could have met him. We miss you a lot general.

[@bradellis3855]

One fact from my dad- Robin Olds could take a 10 second joke, turn it into 3 minutes of roaring laughter.

[@MaximumDecibels]

yea-Sit On It Potsie

[@markhamersly1664]

All, We blew our chances to tell Robin's story the right way. It should have been done while there were still F-4s in the inventory for the filming. The last of the F-105s went to the bone yard flown by my friend and head Usher at my wedding Jim Boyd from George AFB. You would need both to do it right. God, does this nation need another Robin Olds today... Hammer

[@lilletrille8998]

I have his book, but havent read it yet...maybe I will save it for my summer holidays just so I can give it the attention it deserves!

[@jimbeam7160]

Great book. Olds has a great charm and love for mischief. He had a great life and never really allowed anything to stop him form squeezing the joy out of life.

[@Rebel-Rouser]

This man was a legend and a true American hero.

[@stevelindsey5560]

American hero!

[@rdurn4136]

Olds was a great pilot and a hero in every sense of the word. He represents the men who were in the military before it became just another pussy-fied bureaucracy.

[@jurgenblick5491]

Love it

[@regispotasio4657]

.um grande piloto, sem duvida

[@nomadjeff1922]

I joined the Air Force in 1977 on F-4D's and back then we used to push the mustache rule in honor of Robin.

[@johnr7279]

If you're watching this and you think it's pretty cool--and it is!--get a copy of Fighter Pilot and read it! You will not be disappointed.

[@pncombies]

@John R. Agreed...very cool indeed! My father, then Major Phil Combies, is mentioned often in the book. He was Rambler 04 on Bolo and downed one of the seven Mig-21's that day. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6apkmRpZ7uirMk

[@johnr7279]

@@pncombiesvery cool! Nice that he honored your Dad in that way but he was really just telling the way he saw it. That's what made it so cool when he said your Dad had the guts to follow him. Amazing having that in your family history and kudos to your Dad and his service to our nation! ;-)

[@Gumshrud1]

Robin Olds may be the last true grit, American Hero.

[@Jaden48108]

What a guy.

[@robertnixon3816]

An american hero in evey sense of the word!

[@coilmanjoe]

When men were REAL men!

[@jeffmoore9487]

Very educational. Is there a vid that explains what he thought of US fighting in Vietnam?

[@therealniksongs]

According to his daughter, he told LBJ we had to get out of there and the fastest way to do that was to let the military WIN the war.

[@stevenp540]

Broke the mold...

[@daviidtaplin1115]

Spartan a great school I went there also..

[@billbright1755]

Some men getter done. Men as Mr. Olds you want on your team.

[@johnmorykwas2343]

Colonel Olds had his mustache. I had my conductors hat.

[@skiphamblin2185]

SALUTE!!!!!!!

[@ruffusp768]

Where can I find his story on hat?

[@MaximumDecibels]

the Real Maverick - Sir