Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds

If you have any interest in military aviation , this is a must read . Honest , descriptive , exciting ,sad , what an aviation rollercoaster. Highly recommended Robin Olds , what a hero !

This is, without doubt, a wonderfully written account of the life of Robin Olds. It covers his life from being a young boy in awe of his fighter Pilot Father, through West Point, his enlistment in the USAAF, his time fighting the Luftwaffe over Europe in the Second World War and then his post War experiences flying Jet fighters in the USA and in the UK, and finally finishing his career in Vietnam in the USAF. Although the book goes into quite a lot of detail it does so in a way to keep the readers interest, and also shows very clearly that he was not only a great Pilot, but a great leader of men and a fine human being. If this subject and period of history appeals to you buy this book! You really won’t regret it. Very highly recommended.

This is probably the best book of its kind I have ever read. Full of action, frankness and honesty. I know for a fact Robin Olds was revered by his fellow pilots and ground crew. He lived life to the full and mostly at a frantic pace. You get a very good feel for what it was like both in WW2 and the Vietnam war for fighter pilots going face to face with the enemy. Robin also does not hold back on his views of the stupidity of the Vietnam War. So much loss of life, so much waste of money, and it achieved nothing. The layers of desk-bound top brass basically told the various Presidents what they wanted to hear. Robin told them the truth at the first opportunity he had. Highly, highly, recommend this book.

a very enjoyable read by someone who was not only brave but a good raconteur. he has obviously mis-remembered a few things, claiming to have met Edward Mannock in the 1930's (Mannock died in 1918) but otherwise a splendid tale well told.

A great record of one of the legends of air combat. Not just detailed accounts of sorties and life on base, but also a look into the mind of a fighter pilot and what it takes to be at the top your game. Highly recommend.

I love reading anything to do with history, especially if it involves aviation. Within the genre of aviation my main interest is of the military kind. I've lost count of the number of books I've read over the years about World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, The Falklands, The Balklans, Desert Storm etc, etc. And yes, you've guessed it. I've even made (and still do at age 56) the plastic aircraft kits. I have to say though, when it comes to a miltary aviation read, Fighter Pilot is the best book I've ever read about modern military aviation. I know it's a biography about the man, rather than the aircraft he flew. But believe me, this book puts you right there in the ejection seat and it's crafted so well you feel as though you are there with him, his backseater if you will, as he takes his F4 Phantom into the heart of the enemy's defences over Hanoi. I know it's a well used cliche, but once you've started reading it you won't be able to put it down until you've finished. - Dave Blackburn F4 Pilot (in my dreams)

Robin Olds is a legend. From the first page till the last this is book is captivating. Robin Olds epitomises that unique leader who shines in conflict. He led from the front with a steely determination and apparent fearlessness. As with other combat leaders he had a healthy contempt for some of the hierarchy and politicians and was never afraid to blot his own copybook if there was an issue he felt strongly about. If you like flying stories and true ones at that,you won't be disappointed, his daughter, in compiling this book (from his own extensive writings) has done him proud.

This book is the story of an incredible life told with humour, humility and a flow that any novelist should envy. Robin Olds is the real deal and this is a book that I’d rate right up there with Reach For The Sky, The Big Show, and First Light with classics of wartime aviation history. I was up until two in the morning reading it several nights and finished it with genuine regret.

チャック・イェーガーと並ぶ有名なファイターであるロビン・オルズの生涯を描いた実録本です。第二次大戦からベトナム戦争の約３０年間(朝鮮戦争には不参加)を第一級の戦闘パイロットとして１６機撃墜したトリプル・エースの生涯をリアルな戦闘シーンを満載に描いており、そのストーリー展開は映画の原作を思わせるほどのスピード感です。 歴史に名を残す偉大な人物の物語として読むのも面白い本だと思います。

I flew in the Nam in the very early 70's (but not up North). This is a 'Must Read'.

Fighter Pilot presents an all-encompassing portrayal of the greatest fighter pilot that ever lived, Robin Olds. It was written by his daughter, Christina Olds, with the help of Ed Rasimus, a published author and an old head fighter pilot who also flew Phantoms in the Vietnam War. Their dedication to this great book was comparable to General Robin Olds dedication to his country and those men that served under him. After entering the Air Force in 1965 I began my F-4 Phantom training in preparation for a war tour at SEA (Southeast Asia). Nearly every instructional session or bantering over beers at the Officer's Club Stag bar included a mention of Robin Olds. He was the iconic fighter pilot of that era and his biography reveals what most of us already knew, he was an exceptional leader of men as well as a talented and tenacious fighter pilot. Despite his masculine warrior instincts he also possessed a soft sentimentality, as he displayed his humaneness towards everyone he came in contact with. He was a man of honor, character and integrity that superseded nearly all of the other renowned leaders that I have come in contact with in any realm. Of paramount importance, the book reveals that Col. Olds challenged the Pentagon and the White House regarding their misguided micromanagement of the air war over North Vietnam. His revised tactics defied his leaders, at the expense of his career progression, but saved an untold number of American airmen, and a few hundred million dollars worth of aircraft. The Red Baron, Eddie Rickenbacker, Pappy Boyington, etc., pale in comparison to the ultimate fighter pilot, Robin Olds. This is a must read for pilots of all ilks, including all current or ex-military people, and laymen as well, since it provides a lens to view the dedication and commitment of the American G.I. The exemplary character so often displayed by the American "GI" is taken to the highest level by the "Fighter Pilot." The book also provides a nice overview of aviation, particularly military aviation history from the beginning of World War II to the end of the Vietnam era. An additional reader's nugget is the interesting travelogue as it takes the reader to the many areas around the world where he served. Woven into the story is Robin Olds love for Britain and the unique character of the Britts as they displayed their stoic hard-nosed endurance of the bombing of London and other parts of the UK by the German Luftwaffe. Allen Morris/a.k.a. Ace Abbott, aviation author;[...]

A great biographical book, with detailed information regarding military strategy, tactics and materiel. Also interesting from a leadership and management perspectives. The book's narrative is fluid and well constructed.

This biography on Robyn Olds is easy to read and engaging. I knew of his status as a legend in the USAF based on his exploits in the Vietnam War. What I didn't know was his WW2 history. In reading his life story I understood why he achieved legend status and don't question that status. But it also provides and insight into an individual who was far from perfect and at times, made decisions that suited his needs rather the organisational goals of the USAF. I note that this was never at the expense of the people he fought with and lead though there was a cost to his family. Something most service people experience. If you have heard of Robyn Olds, do yourself a favour and read this book. You will not regret the journey.