Robin Olds was a larger-than-life hero with a towering personality. A graduate of West Point and an inductee in the National College Football Hall of Fame for his All-American performance for Army, Olds was one of the toughest college football players at the time. In WWII, Olds quickly became a top fighter pilot and squadron commander by the age of 22―and an ace with 12 aerial victories.
But it was in Vietnam where the man became a legend. He arrived in 1966 to find a dejected group of pilots and motivated them by placing himself on the flight schedule under officers junior to himself, then challenging them to train him properly because he would soon be leading them. Proving he wasn't a WWII retread, he led the wing with aggressiveness, scoring another four confirmed kills, becoming a rare triple ace.
But it was in Vietnam where the man became a legend. He arrived in 1966 to find a dejected group of pilots and motivated them by placing himself on the flight schedule under officers junior to himself, then challenging them to train him properly because he would soon be leading them. Proving he wasn't a WWII retread, he led the wing with aggressiveness, scoring another four confirmed kills, becoming a rare triple ace.
Commission Earned
Required reading, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteAs are the other two books by Ed Rasimus about his experiences in Viet Nam. "When Thunder Rolled" and "Palace Cobra". A real American hero who could really write.
ReplyDeleteNoted, and added to the list. Thanks muchly.
DeleteA swashbuckling handsome daredevil.
ReplyDeleteA true hero that almost nobody in this country knows about.
ReplyDeleteIf you spend a day or two at the USAF museum in Dayton, OH... one of his planes is right there, next to his wall-size picture!
DeleteTremendous fighter pilot and leader, unfortunately didn't translate well to later in life. Mostly a drunk womanizer, that died deep in debt.
ReplyDeleteLike I said, a true American hero! :-)
DeleteGreat read guys. Especially his WWII rememinsces.
ReplyDeleteA relative of mine is mentioned in the book, from his time flying with then-Col Olds. His name is not Weasel, but of course mine isn't either.
ReplyDelete