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.)

Great story of an American hero!

Well told story of the career exploits of an American hero! You feel like you were there as the story is told!

Great Story From A Legend

Great story from a legend about TRUE fighting spirit. Hopefully future generations will learn from his real world experience.

fantastic book about the life of a LEGEND.

Great book about an absolute LEGEND of a fighter pilot. highly recommended. A true American hero and legendary aviator.

Must read

What an amazing life. For aviation and history buffs alike, this is a must read.

High-Flying Excellence: A Review of ‘Fighter Pilot'

'Fighter Pilot' is a captivating book that chronicles the remarkable military career of Robin Olds, a legendary fighter pilot. This gripping narrative takes readers on a thrilling journey through the skies as Olds shares his experiences in aerial combat and his relentless pursuit of excellence. The book not only explores the technical aspects of fighter aircraft and aerial warfare, but it also delves into the personal struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices of Olds and his fellow pilots. Moreover, 'Fighter Pilot' offers thought-provoking insights on the nature of warfare, leadership, and the human spirit. It’s a compelling story that will leave readers inspired and in awe of the incredible feats accomplished by Robin Olds and his comrades. As a former fighter pilot, I would love to see this as a movie or a series!!!

One of those books

This is one of those books you wish would never end. Olds is one of those people you wish you knew.

Real History!

I've listened to dozens of book on Audible over the past 3 years and never wrote a review. But, I just had to take a moment and say how much I really enjoyed this book! Robin Olds was quite a character and a realist when it came to getting the job done. I would have loved to seen him fly! Thank you to the Olds family for sharing his life with the rest of us. Awesome book!

A compelling story, skillfully told

I listen to more military history than is probably good for me. This audiobook stands in the top 5% of war memoirs that I've read or listened to. The narrator does a superb job, and the book is consistent, clear, and focused in a way that many war stories are not.

Then there's the subject material. The author is West Point '44. Flies P-38 Lightnings, and P-51 Mustangs during WWII, later commands an air wing over North Vietnam in F4 Phantoms, and goes on to become the Commandant of the Air Force Academy. There's enough technical detail to satisfy most engineers, but it doesn't make the material inaccessible to those who would rather skim over the details.

Highly recommended.

Excellent

Great book for history buffs, aviation buffs -- also a great story. Makes you want to buy the paper edition

A terrific read!

Fighter pilot is one of the most enjoyable and engrossing books I have read in many years. The reader is excellent and the book itself just flows flawlessly. Even though Robin Olds' story spans so many years and involves so many different action and inaction assignments, his ability to make the most of all situations and to write about it in such an exciting way makes this a wonderful treat. One can only assume that his daughter, Christina, contributed greatly to the details and the warmth of the story. Our country needs more committed patriots like him.