Robin Olds

Robin Olds
Olds at Ubon RTAFB, Thailand, c. September 1967
Birth name	Robert Oldys Jr.
Born	(1922-07-14)July 14, 1922 Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
Died	June 14, 2007(2007-06-14) (aged 84) Steamboat Springs, Colorado, U.S.
Buried	United States Air Force Academy Cemetery, Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Service / branch	United States Army Air Forces  United States Air Force
Years of service	1943–1947 (Army Air Forces) 1947–1973 (Air Force)
Rank	Brigadier general
Unit	479th Fighter Group 8th Tactical Fighter Wing
Commands	8th Tactical Fighter Wing 81st Tactical Fighter Wing 86th Fighter-Interceptor Group No. 1 Squadron RAF 434th Fighter Squadron
Battles / wars	World War II Vietnam War Operation Bolo
Awards	Air Force Cross Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (2) Silver Star (4) Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (6) Air Medal (40) Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom) Croix de guerre (France)
Spouse(s)	Ella Raines ​ ​ (m. 1947; div. 1976)​ Abigail Morgan Sellers Barnett ​ ​ (m. 1978; div. 1993)​
Children	3
Relations	Robert Olds (father)

Robin Olds^[1] (born Robert Oldys Jr.; July 14, 1922 – June 14, 2007) was an American fighter pilot and general officer in the United States Air Force (USAF). He was a "triple ace", with a combined total of 17 victories in World War II and the Vietnam War.^[2] He retired in 1973 as a brigadier general, after 30 years of service.

The son of U.S. Army Air Forces Major General 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.^[3]

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.^[3]

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 as a lineman in college football.