Fighter Pilot

The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds

By: Robin Olds, Christina Olds, Ed Rasimus

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 17 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

A larger-than-life hero with a towering personality, Robin Olds was a graduate of West Point and an inductee in the National College Football Hall of Fame for his All-American performance for Army. In World War II, Olds quickly became a top fighter pilot and squadron commander by the age of 22—a double ace with 12 aerial victories.

But it was in Vietnam where the man became a legend. He motivated a dejected group of pilots by placing himself under junior officers and challenging them to train him properly. He led the wing with aggressiveness, scoring another four confirmed kills and becoming a rare triple ace. With his marriage to Hollywood actress and pin-up girl Ella Raines, his nonregulation mustache and penchant for drink, Olds was a unique individual whose story is one of the most eagerly anticipated military books of the year.

Christina Olds, the daughter of Robin Olds, holds a B.A. in English and creative writing from Vassar, is a member of the Air Force Association, and is the first honorary lifetime member of the Red River Valley Association.

Ed Rasimus is a retired USAF fighter pilot who holds a B.S. in political science and an M.S. in both political science and international relations. He has previously written two books on the Vietnam air war, When Thunder Rolled and Palace Cobra.

©2010 Robin Olds with Christina Olds and Ed Rasimus (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Massively welcomed by his legion of fans." (Walter J. Boyne, author and former director of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.)

Damn good.

Keep me listening. Great bio of a great fighter pilot. It’s also great that his daughter, Christina, helped in its writing keeping it balanced in both personal and military feel.

Fantastic

I've given it two listens, and will probably do a third soon. A great story about a fantastic American and the commander we all wish we had or could have known. Meticulously put together by his daughter, it's a riveting listen that makes the 9 hour drive go by quick.

For airmen or any service

The legendary life of Brig Gen Rob Olds is an absolutely invaluable chronicle worth listening to

I felt like I was sitting across from Robin!

Great story, great narrator as well. If you enjoy military history this wont disappoint. Robin seemed like a real man's man. I found myself laughing out loud at several stories and his one liners and comebacks. Really enjoyed it!

Thank you Robin Olds!

A true American hero. The guy who does amazing things and seeks no glory for himself. This guy was one in a million. We are all blessed that this man was born in the USA. The guy you'd much rather fight with than fight against. Smart, driven, loyal to his country and family and of course his brothers in arms. A truly gifted pilot and leader He fought through three major wars, only really participating in two, WW2 and Vietnam, his wife, actress Ella Raines, and her political connections kept him out of the Korean War. But his impact in the two wars he fought in was paramount, some of his biggest contributions came on the ground though his prowess in the sky was second to none and he is still revered by active airman today. Modern aircraft can still be seen with WWROD emblazoned on the side, What Would Robin Olds Do, and still to this day airmen will grow mustaches in honor of this man. A triple ace who was probably a triple ace many times over if he took credit for all he did. But, in order to keep flying and not be forced to retire by the military for having "Ace" status, he gave credit for many of his aerial take-downs to other pilots to reduce his numbers on paper. Imagine being so good you have to hide how good you are so you can keep doing what you do best. If you are unfamiliar, do yourself a favor first, do a google search for Robin Olds and Operation BOLO, read and proceed to be very impressed and then get this book to paint the rest of the picture. If you love America and a good old fashioned tale of American pride, passion, loyalty, toughness and patriotism -please read this book. You will be glad you did and -God Bless you Robin Olds (July 14, 1922 – June 14, 2007).

The Real Deal

I was with the 432nd TFW at Udorn RTAFB in Thailand for the party. Olds was a great pilot and American hero, and calls out the politicians for the idiocy of the Vietnam War. Sadly, what we learned there in wasted lives and treasure was used by Bush Sr - then undone by the twits and neocons in Bush Jr's administration.

Here is the warrior breed that built this country, and while they are rightly subject to our civilian administration, should never be ignored when considering military adventures overseas. If we're in it, let's win it. Otherwise- stay the hell out of it.

One Damn Good Book

Couldn’t stop listening to this roaring story of one of this countries greatest fighter pilots of all time. I laughed, sat in suspense, and of course teared up, I’ll never say cry. I only wish I could have raised a glass with Robyn Olds and heard this first hand.

I’m currently active duty Navy, and this book, although about a Army/Air Force pilot, makes me even more proud to serve this great country. Thank you Robyn for sharing and continue to fly high above us all.

A must read/listen for Military Aviation buffs.

What did you love best about Fighter Pilot?

A perfectly cast narrator made me feel Robin Olds was telling his story. Extremely well written with incredible detail and feeling. Robin Olds was a true American hero I was honored to meet him and had a great conversation with him at the Oshkosh EAA fly in in 2003. The man had an unforgettable presence and personality. At the time I asked if he was writing his story and he said he was working on it. All I have to say is OUTSTANDING job the best autobiography of a fighter pilot ever told.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Robin Olds lived his life at full throttle most of the time. He lived a grand adventure.

What does Robertson Dean bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He made you feel Robin Olds was telling his story in person.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were many parts of the story you felt the raw emotions of the situation. Fear of a hairy ride, the elation of victory and the sadness of loss all common in the life of a great Fighter Pilot.

Fighters rule

Excellent! Read this book. This country needs people like Robin Olds badly. USAF misses you Robin.

A man who did it his way.

The story of a man who cared as much about his family as the men in his command.