Fighter Pilot - Christina Olds, Robin Olds & Ed Rasimus

Fighter Pilot

By Christina Olds, Robin Olds & Ed Rasimus

  • Release Date: 2010-04-13
  • Genre: Military History
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 296 Ratings

Description

Fighter Pilot is the memoir of legendary ace American fighter pilot and general officer in the U.S. Air Force, Robin Olds.

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

But it was in Vietnam where the man became a legend. He arrived in 1966 to find a dejected group of pilots and motivated them by placing himself on the flight schedule under officers junior to himself, then challenging them to train him properly because he would soon be leading them. Proving he wasn't a WWII retread, he led the wing with aggressiveness, scoring another four confirmed kills, becoming a rare triple ace.

Olds, who retired a brigadier general and died in 2007, was a unique individual whose personal story presents one of the most eagerly anticipated military books in recent memory.

Please note: This ebook edition does not include the photo insert from the print edition.

Reviews

  • A must read for all aviators!

    5
    By Screamer29
    The legendary Robin Olds is the epitome of the fighter pilot stereotype and for good reason. The book is full of a lifetime of incredible experiences as well as tidbits of wisdom relatable for anyone but more specifically military officers.
  • Amazing

    5
    By DonkWatkins
    One of the best books I have ever read. Such a great leader!
  • Fighter Pilot by Robin Olds

    5
    By G R Teacher
    Excellent book. I have read many books in this gender and this will be one of my favorites ever. Very well written in the sense that you feel you are right there in the middle of the action. You just cannot put it down. You want it to go on forever. I highly recommend this book to any one in love with airplanes and aviation in general.
  • Fighter pilot

    5
    By PA_ pete
    This book is but a small tribute to the greatness of good an honorable man who became a great man because of his talent and tenacity. Robin Olds was that man. This is a touching and poignant chronicle of a great and good man and his various exploits. Robin is gone now, but suspect that he is still flying somehow some way. This book is a small token of all he gave to this nation. It is easy to read and interesting to see how even the best pay a price. The scene the book describes at the dining table upon his return from Vietnam is heart rending. A great read top marks, five stars!
  • LOVED IT!

    5
    By DFWavgeek
    This is a really good book , definitely deserves 5 stars , growing up i really wanted to meet mr.olds but never got the chance to before he passed , after reading this book it feels like i knew him as a close friend , from west point to Vietnam and after the war this is a great book!
  • Great Read

    5
    By American Jet
    Anybody that's pulled more than two G's as part of their profession will enjoy this book. Olds has captured the essence of fighter pilotage. From individual mission experiences to ideological differences between SAC and TAC, Robin Olds weaves a tapestry that won't soon be forgotten by the reader.
  • Fighter Pilot

    5
    By rdzr1
    Superb book that tells the story of a real American hero, a pilot's pilot and true warrior. I loved it.
  • America's Fighter Pilot!

    5
    By Togaf16
    As a fighter pilot myself I heard the stories and we toasted him at the bars. I even had the pleasure of meeting him at my pilot graduation. But not until I read this book did I really realize what a true Fighter pilot icon he is to America and what a Hollywood life he lived. A book on leadership should be written about him as well. Such a man to lead from the front.
  • A Real Story!

    5
    By JLCFL
    Real life through the eyes of a great man! Well written - I couldn't put it down! Captures the frustrations of Viet Nam era warriors perfectly.
  • Fighter Pilot by Robin Olds

    5
    By FCDAT
    It is uncanny how Col. Robin Olds always hi the mark as he did once again with his book, Fighter Pilot; The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds. Some wear the stars and some wear the scars. Thank you Robin.