Brig. Gen. Robin Olds: Combat Leader and Fighter Ace
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- Check out interiors views of the McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II that Col. Olds, the pilot, and Lt. Stephen Croker, the weapons system officer, destroyed two MiG-17s in a single day, May 20, 1967. This also includes his audio from a press briefing he gave in Washington D.C.
Brig. Gen. Robin Olds' hallmarks were boldness, courage and leadership. A World War II ace and Air Force Cross recipient, he gained widespread fame and respect as the aggressive commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing during the Southeast Asia War.
Robin Olds grew up amongst military aviators and aircraft -- his father was a World War I pursuit pilot, an aide to Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell, and commander of the first B-17 squadron. Robin Olds attended West Point, where his characteristic boldness allowed him to excel on the football field -- in 1942, he was selected as an All-American tackle. After Olds graduated in 1943, he attended flight training and went to Europe as a P-38 pilot.
Olds stood out as a daring pilot and a natural leader. Within a few months, he shot down five enemy fighters to become the 479th Fighter Group's first ace. At the very young age of 22, he was promoted to major and given command of the 434th Fighter Squadron. Olds continued his success after the unit converted to P-51s, and he ended the war with 12 victories.
Following World War II, Olds flew in the first P-80 jet demonstration team, followed by command of several operational units, and then staff jobs. Unable to get a combat posting during the Korean War, Olds became determined to get into combat when the Southeast Asia War escalated.
In the fall of 1966, Olds took command of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base. Olds' charisma and courage endeared him to his people, and under his leadership, the "Wolfpack" became the USAF's top MiG-killing wing in Southeast Asia. Olds also played a key role in the creation of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, which improved coordination between USAF wings in Southeast Asia and became a lasting fraternal organization.
Olds led from the front -- he shared the same risks as his aircrews by flying on the most dangerous missions. He received many decorations for his audacity in combat, including the Air Force Cross for a mission in August 1967, when he led a strike force against the heavily-defended Paul Doumer Bridge in North Vietnam.
The crowning achievement for Olds was planning and leading OPERATION BOLO, when North Vietnamese MiG-21 pilots were tricked into an air battle at a disadvantage. Olds shot down a MiG-21, and his 8th TFW F-4 aircrews shot down six others with no losses. He also shot down three other MiGs during his tour. When added to his WWII victories, his lifetime victory totaled 16 enemy aircraft.
Olds returned from Southeast Asia in December 1967. Promoted to brigadier general in 1968, he became the commandant of cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and he retired from active duty in 1973.
![F-4C MiG Killers, Thailand, 1967 [Silent, Unedited]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qDWevnyRtjc/mqdefault.jpg)
General Olds was a leader and a legend in the F-4 and Air Force community … his legacy and/or spirit was everywhere in the late 70s/early 80s PACAF, in particular at the 8th TFW (Kunsan) and the 51st TFW (Taegu/Osan). Excellent tribute to a brand of human very much in short supply these days.
A great pilot, leader and man...
The Phantom was an absolute "workhorse," in the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corp. Robin Olds got everything that could be gotten out of the Phantom. What a pilot!
I listened to the end of the audiobook Fighter Pilot on my way home to Columbus, from the Air Force Museum last fall after visiting SCAT XXVII and that wonderful display. The audiobook brought tears to my eyes. True American Hero and what a great video. Never Forget 💝
I learned about Robin Olds from my visit to the museum. Just a classic example of a leader and patriot.
I came across this video randomly but had to comment on the really great production quality. Kudos to the team that made it!
Gen. Olds, Colonel Robin Olds, was a special commander at Ubon, beloved by his men, & I take great pride in my service time with the 8th TFW (tactical fighter wing), Ubon RTAFB, Thailand! Aim High! Don Woolley
Robin Olds. The epitome of the word leader.
Amazing video of an incredible plane. This F-4C represents two outstanding men, that performed their duties when call upon. Great audio of Col. Olds. I love aviation history; I work in it every day. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit in 2019 to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. I would recommend anyone that can go to do so. It is a site to behold and the history there is a true learning experience for all. My thanks to all the Veterans who volunteer their time to the tours sharing their experiences and stories. If anyone goes, it could take a full day to see it all. I would have enjoyed going two days if I could have.
WHOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOO, I have been a Robin Olds superfan my whole adult life, thank you so much for this video remembering a great pilot, great soldier, great man!!!!! *Salute* 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Stunning. Simple and to the point.
Fantastic video, I really like your use of the phone gimbal and drone.
Thanks so much!
As an 18 year old (I’m Indian) who doesn’t have anything to do with the US but loves fighters more than anything else, Olds is probably the guy on the top of “my list of heroes” alongside names like Yeager, Armstrong, William J. Knight, Crossfield, Glenn etc.
who were your heroes growing up?
Sid V We seem to be of a like mind Sid!
@@terryboyer1342 that’s really nice to hear terry. Are you a pilot?
@@sidv4615 I was in the Civil Air Patrol from when I was from 13 to 32. I took lessons and soloed a few times but never got my license due to money and other reasons.
This amazing West Point officer was an ace in both WWII and finally after being passed over for combat service in Korea, Vietnam. He was difficult and demanding when talking to those who served with him, but always honorable. He may be one of the most amazing veterans honored in the NMUSAF!
GREAT VIDEO!! Ken, if that's you flying the drone under the F-4, you did great by not hitting anything. That is a testament to your skill!!
Thanks so much, got some vibration going on that I need to figure out but sure is fun to fly around these incredible aircraft!
@@USAFmuseum I will be there April 5th. If you see an old guy with a tripod, it is probably me!!
F4 phantom great aircraft
Indeed! We have four of these birds, one in storage and three on display.
Incredible Patriot Warrior and representative God Bless Col Olds
Shes still a Beautiful Bird. I wonder who decided it was wise to pull her from service and Save her from the Scrapyard..
best Legend
THE BEST
Is she really General Olds ride (I hope) or an F-4 painted to look like her?
It's the real deal. I saw on a vid and read in her book where his daughter Christina stated that he wanted the aircraft displayed untouched in its original paint and condition but the museum denied his wishes and restored and repainted it.
@@terryboyer1342 that’s a shame, a real warbird deserves to keep her scars and chipped paint. It’s the hanger queens that should be kept in cherry condition.
@@kennethhummel4409 Yep, but the powers that be wanted it "pretty."
@@kennethhummel4409 You have a point, but it's also about preservation. Even kept indoors, there is a certain amount of corrosion that occurs both externally and internally. To keep these priceless artifacts preserved for future generations requires a little bit of TLC.
@@FusionMonkey847 I had been in the leave it alone camp, but your point is very well taken and I'm now in agreement with you. At least the cockpit is untouched, which would have been an absolute nightmare to restore.
F-4, it was someone over 30 you could trust…one of first in USAF inventory to use “Inertial Navigation”
Zipper Suit Sky God.
Any other member of the service would have been dishonorable discharged He was an arrogant narcissist who endangered the lives of those people who were around him. Necessary no hero
Any other serviceman would have been kicked out if the military worth a dishonorable discharge. The man was no hero. He was invariant narcissist who risked the lives of anybody that he associated with. He was no hero.
I know that Col Olds had more victories. Did Vietnam era political correctness not allow swastikas etc, to be painted on the nose of this magnificent airplane?
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE.