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Fighter Pilot  By  cover art

Fighter Pilot

By: Robin Olds, Christina Olds, Ed Rasimus
Narrated by: Robertson Dean
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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.)

What listeners say about Fighter Pilot

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American Hero

Any additional comments?

If you love stories of American patriots this will inspire you. Robin Olds was a truly amazing, fearless, patriotic American. The book was well read. My only drawback was the language. I understand from the Introduction that Olds wanted the story in his language, and he got it. Unfortunately, much of the vulgarity just was not need to tell the story.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Must Read!!!!!

What a great book. This guy was everything that makes an American an American. I highly recommend this book!

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3 people found this helpful

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Best Air Force book you'll ever read!

Excellent narration and truly compelling story. Olds is wonderful rolemodel for Airman young and old.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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fantastic story of an honest to God hero!

Robin Olds was a true Maverick. He should be an inspiration to all Americans. Highly recommended memoir!

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  • Overall
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A real hero!!

A life lived well. And example of water real American fighting man is about God-bless you general

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  • J
  • 11-18-18

How is this not a movie?

This is one of the best books ever written, in my opinion. His life is more exciting than most movies! Drama, war, romance, travels, adventures... A MUST listen!

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excellent all around, loved every minute.

Excellent all around, loved every minute. The narration is perfect, the story excellent. Well worth it.

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Incredible story

I spent 1978-1991 AD USAF. A maintainers and I loved this book. The book presents a perspective I never knew existed.

I found this book after watching his daughter Christina speak to a group on YouTube. If I remember it was Peninsula Seniors.

After just listening to it again it remains fresh.

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  • Overall
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Amazing story

Powerful. Amazing. Perfect writing of an incredible life, what a man, what a pilot. The story makes you feel like you are there, what an adventure!

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American Legend

Many lessons can apply from the study of Robin Olds. Great Leader, Amazing Pilot, too few like him remain.
Excellent read.

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