Fighter Pilot

The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds

By: Robin Olds

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

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 twenty-two—a double ace with twelve 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 pinup 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.

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

Critic reviews

“A tribute to a vanished breed of men.”

“Massively welcomed by his legion of fans.”

“Robin Olds was bold, audacious and courageous; truly one of America’s premier fighter pilots. His captivating story, told in riveting fashion, provides great insights into his life and the attributes that make a great fighter pilot. Warning! If you start to read, you will have trouble putting it down!”

“Robin Olds is probably the greatest aerial warrior America ever produced. He is the real deal, a fighter pilot’s fighter pilot, a consummate military professional, a natural, charismatic leader, and a true, heroic servant of our republic...That men like Olds chose to wear our nation’s uniform does high honor to the profession. I confidently predict that this book will be an instant classic.”

“Triple ace Robin Olds’ legendary leadership and heroic service to the cause of freedom have been an inspiration to our nation and our air force. He is one of our ‘great captains’ and a pioneer of air power.”

“Pilot Robin Olds served 30 years in the Army and Air Force, at West Point, in WWII, and in Vietnam. His action stories of combat flying place listeners right in the cockpit next to him, with flak exploding just outside the plane’s canopy. His exemplary principles of leadership rank him with history’s finest at inspiring cohesiveness in military teams. Narrator Robertson Dean’s booming voice takes a stoic approach to both the serious and amusing escapades. During Olds’s duty at a British base, Dean delivers the Etonian accents of fellow flyers like a native. The author’s story covers a long life, so Dean keeps his first-person voice constant and ageless. With appropriate restraint he portrays this Air Force officer’s anger, nostalgia, and patriotism.”

“A gripping narrative…Compelling reading, likely to become a classic.”

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.

Must Read!!!!!

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

Best Air Force book you'll ever read!

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

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!

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!