Great video. Robin Olds and Chappie James flew my F4C at Davis Monthan 4453rd CCTW. I loved both of these men. I actualy kept close contact with Gen. OLDS thru E mails right up to his passing. Gen James was my Wing Comander st DM and one Sunday when he was driving his staff car down the flight line it was a down day for everyone and I had nothing to do so I went to work on my jet and he spotted me. He stopped his car and yelled Sgt what are you doing on your day off. I said sir I'm changing a tire on my jet to get it ready for tomorows flight. He got out of his car and stayed with me to watch me change that wheel and tire. That next month I was awarded the distinction of being Crew Chief Of The Month.

@danlangowski929

Жыл бұрын

Your lucky you got that F4 back in semi-working order with those two flying it.

@rayritchotte7608

Жыл бұрын

@@danlangowski929 I'll never forget strapping Col. JAMES in the ejection seat he was a big man and he couldn't move around too much to reach the shoulder harneses and he said to me son I am probably the biggest black ass you have ever helped strap into this seat. He was such an easy person to speak too. When I found out he passed shortly after he retired I felt real bad.

@Nghilifa

Жыл бұрын

@@rayritchotte7608 Thanks for sharing those stories Ray, highly appreciated.

@benlewis2475

Жыл бұрын

Great stories gents. Thanks for sharinf

@francisschweitzer8431

Жыл бұрын

LUCKY A** CREW CHIEF!!! I’m Jealous now. Lol. ( I did my A-10 FTD at DM AFB in the 90’s after crewing a 135 for 4 years) … it’s nice to have a Wing King that is a BEEN THERE DONE THAT Officer. They know WHO the Crew Chiefs are

Robin Olds's mustache had bigger balls than I ever will.

@johnh1353

2 ай бұрын

And more intelligence than ALL of DC

@kevincody8391

25 күн бұрын

​@@johnh1353in loving memory of. besides admiration for others similar

Thank you!!!!! Robin Olds was my uncle, my father, Stevan Olds, was his brother. I miss him, and this was, by far, the best video I have ever seen done on Robin!❤❤❤❤❤

@dennistate5953

Жыл бұрын

Thank you; love you all!!!

@owensweetland342

Жыл бұрын

I've been fascinated with the mystique of Robin Olds.

@stevencassel5680

Жыл бұрын

@@owensweetland342 Robin Olds: My Favorite Fighter Ace of WWII (Europe) and S. E. Asia (Vietnam), Steven L. Cassel (Reese Airport Selma, Indiana 🇺🇸)

@SeanCrowley1

Жыл бұрын

Are you Brads’ twin sister? Friend of Brads’..

@marypapak5759

11 ай бұрын

@@SeanCrowley1 no, cousin… I used to babysit Brad!!😌

If they haven’t already; they need to make a big budget movie of Gen. Old’s life with his dream being the end of the movie… amazing story!

@justanotherafol9723

29 күн бұрын

That would be an amazing movie

@s.marcus3669

18 күн бұрын

I'm pretty sure I suggested the same thing when I watched this video a year ago when it first came out. Such a good subject that I'm watching it again in May of 2024!

Robin Olds"s mustache alone has 12 confirmed kills.

@TheSaturnV

3 ай бұрын

😂😂😂😂😂

When I was in Steamboat, I worked on General Robin's skis. We met by complimenting each other's Air Force headqear and there it went for about five years. Chairlift rides were ACM seminars, tactical aviation, the whole nine yards. Just a great person to know, a great brain to pick. Lucky me.

@WardCarroll

Жыл бұрын

Amazing experience.

@daveskinner5131

Жыл бұрын

I figured that out pretty quick. I already knew "aviationese" from my Dad (ADC) so we could understand each other right away. Never flew with him, but did "ski formation" lots of times. Even on snow, the wingman is busy.

@davidsmith8997

Жыл бұрын

@@WardCarroll Great story as usual. Strange that he disparaged Cunningham in his bio. Was that before or after Cunningham's congressional scandal?

@jdcole333

Жыл бұрын

@@davidsmith8997 pretty sure that was tongue-in-cheek and more of an Air Force guy refusing to give a Navy guy a compliment.

@HamHamEggsandHam

Жыл бұрын

I recognized the great man in a hotel bar in Steamboat twenty years ago, and always regret not taking the opportunity to shake his hand and tell him how much I admired him.

I'm British and never heard or Olds. This tribute was eloquent, respectful, brilliantly reserarched and delivered with fluency and directness. What comes across is not just Olds, but your own values, which are immensely important and in short supply. Thank you.

@paulcrist7285

Жыл бұрын

See History channel dog fights episode for more on col.olds...

@tommycoombs

Жыл бұрын

Hugh, Brit here too. You should buy a copy of 'Fighter Pilot'. The book is a fantastic read and is the autobiography written by Olds and his daughter shortly before he passed.

@hughallen6621

Жыл бұрын

@@tommycoombs thanks. I will do that

@sean70729

Жыл бұрын

Very well stated.

@daviswall3319

Жыл бұрын

Yep. Robin Olds was quite the man

As enlisted Air Force, we should've been taught about this incredible man.

@damiangrouse4564

Жыл бұрын

Same reason they didn’t teach us about Col. John Boyd. His biography “Boyd” will make you proud and piss you off all at once.

@briangregory6303

Жыл бұрын

@@damiangrouse4564 Hell yeah.

@colonialjim9154

11 ай бұрын

As American citizens we should be taught about this incredible man

@marseldagistani1989

10 ай бұрын

@@damiangrouse4564 Let me guess. While he was a smart man. He wasn't exactly a combat experienced Pilot, with his only deployment being in Korea where he didn't have an Air-to-air kill. Also, I will say this John Boyd and his fighter Mafia Buddies don't strike me as mavericks, if anything they are deeply conservative people in the way how they see combat. Thinking that the next war will be fought like the previous war.

@damiangrouse4564

10 ай бұрын

@@marseldagistani1989 read the book…the reason we have F-16 and F-15 back then and F-22, F35 now with most models carrying guns since is due to Col. Boyd. Ps. I was enlisted and have an educated low opinion of good portion of the officers I met…but everything I’ve read about this two gentlemen gives me hope that there will always be people like this to defend this country.

I was a student in that audience that he "flipped" off that evening at the Academy. He had been matter-of-factly sharing his autobiography and just finished commenting that he couldn't recall his time as a Major between Capt and Lt Col. To that, the cadet wing began whistling irreverently as if to say, "Big deal!" It was at that point he turned to head back to the podium and we noticed his right hand flipping us the bird. It was at that point we rendered him as "one of us" and we gave him a standing ovation. He was unique and quite a character...definitely one of a kind and knew the importance of telling the truth. He left a mark on my experience. I happened on to your channel by accident but thoroughly am hooked as this is the stuff that inspired me to become a pilot from the time I was in the second grade and watched every fighter pilot movie I could. And this will be one of my favorite all-time videos of yours or any others that I have seen. Well done!

@WardCarroll

Жыл бұрын

Awesome to have been there, Captain. Thx.

@studuerson2548

Жыл бұрын

And I was in the class he flipped off as he left. He was the ultimate Commandant. In recognition of his time as Commandant, the Wing gave him a sabre in a presentation case during the noon meal. As he held the case, it became evident to us that he was holding it so that both hands were, yes, flipping the bird. His words were , "I guess I'll leave you guys the same way I came in." Ritchie came to the zoo once, and he and Olds held court in front of the F-4 on the quad. I was under the impression Ritchie had already made ace. I only saw Ella Raines once, during a parade march-off where I was a guidon bearer. She was wearing that same fur as you had in the picture, and was a knockout. There were a number of stories (one or two apocryphal, I'm sure) of his letting off cadets who had really screwed up, after they'd come clean, or had shown exemplary spirit. Most of the guys there would have followed Robin Olds to the ends of the earth, and over the edge.

@WardCarroll

Жыл бұрын

@@studuerson2548 Great stuff, Stu. Thanks for sharing it here.

@firstlast-ty4di

Жыл бұрын

I was there too (in Arnold Hall). I will never forget that... one of the most impressive examples of leadership that I have ever witnessed. You were one year ahead of me. I later became a fighter pilot ( in F-4s also). I hope that if I am worthy of the hereafter, it will be as Robin Olds described it in his recurring dream.

@spitfire_flyer5659

Жыл бұрын

The absolute peak of the >refuses to elaborate further >leaves level of Chad

I remember a quote from one of his pilots in Vietnam, "In another age, he would have been a warrior king." The service needs men like him. The country needs men like him.

@GeorgeSemel

Жыл бұрын

Two of the most damaging persons ever to hold power in our country were Lyndon Johnson and Robert Strange McNamara. We are still living with the problems those two created for our Country.

@realMaverickBuckley

Жыл бұрын

And until that day comes we'll take a Senile, Corrupt, Career Politician who falls of Bicycles.

@hellbilly6532

Жыл бұрын

He was a warrior king & some doddering old dementive pedo is no replacement a man

@dennisgoff8984

Жыл бұрын

@@realMaverickBuckley - BUTT Mostly tells & Re-Tells Self-aggrandizing yarns that that have ZERO basis in FACT!! 👎🏾 Calm down there ‘Pres. Sleepy Sniffer’

@SerenityMae11

Жыл бұрын

Better than a RuSSian spy!

I'm in tears listening to this fighters life engagements, this guy this is what the true definition of a hero and a true American is all about

Chappy died way to early in life... 58 years old... and made it to 4 Star General. Definitely was a very accomplished man to look up to

@Ash-iv7el

10 ай бұрын

Bro he was born in 1922 and died in 2007 thats 85 not 58!!! 85 is a pretty good number if you ask me lol

@Mdnightsoldier

6 ай бұрын

Did you not even watch the video? He's talking about Chappie James, his buddy who died in the 70s. @@Ash-iv7el

@edwardwong654

5 ай бұрын

@@Ash-iv7el I am sorry to tell you this but Chappy died at the age of 58. You can look it up.

My Robin Olds story: My Dad flew F-4's in Vietnam, after Robin had left in 67. My dad would tell me stories about Col. Olds and his triple Ace status, of course, made him a legend. I was finally able to meet him in 1986 at a fly in that my dads unit put on every year. He was so willing to talk to me and tell me stories about flying and his favorite airplane the Mustang. He chatted with us for hours. The entire time making time to sign things for people and take photos. He was a very humble man and my Dad and Olds along with 3 other veterans would sing Irish folk songs for hours...lol. I have good memories of my time with Robin Olds.

@andrewpizzino2514

Жыл бұрын

Great story. Reminds me of meeting a boyhood NHL hockey player a few years ago. Was just excited as I was to talk about old hockey stories

@blueocean-me1ns

Жыл бұрын

@@andrewpizzino2514 Do they drop bombs at NHL games now and use live ammo?

@andrewpizzino2514

Жыл бұрын

@@blueocean-me1ns ???

@andrewpizzino2514

Жыл бұрын

Being a warrior pilot is a form of athletics and in the example I gave they both perform at high-level. So I’m not gonna understand your statement

@blueocean-me1ns

Жыл бұрын

@@andrewpizzino2514 Form of athletics? LOL! I didn't realize in athletics you bombed people?

I'm 73 years old, and have heard General Robin Olds story many times before, this time I felt a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye.

> Fought in WWII, flew P-38 and P-51 got several kills. >Married Hollywood actress, who dumped Clark Gable for Olds. >bored and rejoined the AF to fight in Vietnam, got several MiG kills. >dies in 2007 True alpha male

Ward, I'm gobsmacked! This is your very best episode EVER! I know, I know, you've had some damn great ones (loved the one with your Father)... but the amount of detail that you've dug up and presented on Gen. Robin Olds here is unprecedented. Gen. Olds was one of the greatest Aviators our armed services ever produced and I was riveted to my seat for the entire 47:36 of your outstanding video. I'm sure both of his lovely daughters (I've met both of them) are honored by this compelling and fascinating video of yours: "Robin Olds: The Total Fighter Pilot Package" yes, indeed he was... Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! "Mooch" you truly outdid yourself here good sir.

@John33gfed

Жыл бұрын

I 2nd everything you said. I wish I had a poster of the man, so I could hang it in my house. Im in love with him.....hahaha

@ColinFreeman-kh9us

3 ай бұрын

Well said mate

Not only military organizations, but all organizations need to heed Robin Olds' advice regarding suicide by bureaucracy. Thank you for this one.

Robin wasn’t just on an exchange to the RAF, but commanded the RAFs most historical No 1 squadron. Great episode.

Thank you for this. I was an enlisted airman at Cam Ranh Bay in 1970, and I can assure you that Col. Olds was THE HERO of the Air Force then and he still was when I left the Air Force for college in 1977. Love the videos and thank you for your service!

Air National Guard with over 27 years of service (still serving) and enlisted in 1995 as an E1 currently holding the rank of O5. Thank you for this documentary. Thank you also for your service as well, Sir. You earned a subscriber.

As USAF vet…this is the Ward Carroll video I have been waiting for. You absolutely knocked it out of the park. Col Olds is who we hang our (Air Force) hat when asked to point out the quintessential American fighter pilot. You did an outstanding job telling the story of a real life military folk hero.

📖 Chapter 1: "… and Robin didn't like that very much so he…" Chapter 2: "… and Robin didn't like that very much so he…" Chapter 3: "… and Robin didn't like that very much so he…" 🎖Now that's a Maverick! Thank you for your service - and expedience of mission! 🙏

@michaelbonade4667

Жыл бұрын

I can tell you are a good listener

@dewfree5869

Жыл бұрын

Everything gov is up hill battle where the hell are you from?

One of the most interesting story's and one of the most interesting characters I've ever heard. This is how we like our military personnel. "Black man and Robin" is actually one of the better nicknames if you ask me. Olds is a tough bastard.

My father is 94 years old and really enjoys your channel. He is a retired USAF pilot and was the best example for me of being forthright and honest to oneself and others . Thank you for your videos . I have also learned so much watching them with my father.

This story is fantastic, I met him at a party for a friends daughter who was joining the Navy. When the party broke up I offered to take him out for cocktails, he said yes and the rest is classified !!!!

@180mph9

Жыл бұрын

Amazing 🍺

@WootTootZoot

Жыл бұрын

Cool story Bro

@majesticpbjcat7707

Жыл бұрын

Jaeger bombs! 🥃 💣 💥

@benlewis2475

Жыл бұрын

You lucky so and so!!

I had the honor of introducing Robin a few times late in his life when he was a much sought-after speaker at functions like F-16 B-Course pilot graduation ceremonies. Always irreverent, irascible, and truly unique, I doubt anyone who spent more than a few moments with him doesn't have a "Robin story." There's the old tale of placing him in a glass case in the Pentagon. Beside the case was a hammer and a sign that read, "In case of war, break glass." 'Nuff said.

Thank you Cmdr. Carroll for a riveting telling of the life and times of Robin Olds. What a warrior! Thanks for your best video yet. I had to choke up at the end, on remembering my dad, who was an enlisted Air Force crewmember on many types of transport planes. Dad flew a bunch of missions during the Berlin Airlift. I want to meet my dad in my final dream, on my final day. I still have my Dad's student's pilot log book and his solo certificate. Dad took me up when I was a kid and he let me 'drive' the small one engine taildragger. His hands were wrapped around mine on the stick, as I stood between his legs. He had his feet firmly on the pedals. Semper Fi, from a Vietnam Marine vet.

My dad was flying fighters with the 48 tfw wing at Lakenheath England when Robin pulled that stunt further north, he was an absolute legend in the Air Force never be another one like him

Even though I've heard the Robin Olds "story" more than a few times, that was 47 well spent minutes of my life. We all have something to learn from men like Robin Olds. Leadership, honor, and just getting things done when the system tries to stop us. Thank you General Olds. Thank you Ward!

@simonvirus6417

Жыл бұрын

Spot on, easily right up there with 47 minutes of enthralling, gobsmacked respect mate

@carolecarr5210

Жыл бұрын

Your statement gave this old Air Force Nurse, (his era) a wave of chills,goosebumps & quick tears washing out my eyes. Honor, loyalty,etc. really are virtues to strive for. Thank you.

@simonvirus6417

Жыл бұрын

​@@carolecarr5210 Carole i hope people that are younger than us ( i'm 45 ) really get to understand that men like R. Olds in western nations defense forces across the world are the difference between tyranny and freedom, not lying MSM, BIG TECH etc Thanks for replying i really do feel the same

@ax01adventures86

Жыл бұрын

Great response, I couldn’t have said it better.

I just finished this episode. This was the BEST episode you've put out there in my opinion. I've always thought Robin Olds was the epitome of what it meant to be a fighter pilot. Thank you for all of the effort that went into this one Mooch. You've got the best channel on KZread.

@mikeweller9933

Жыл бұрын

Yeah. Best ever!

@thereissomecoolstuff

Жыл бұрын

I think Kim Kardashian's channel has better production values. Ward is a close second.

@justaordinaryguy

Жыл бұрын

Agree!

@omally

Жыл бұрын

Agree, mind blowing episode 🤯😂

@roderickcampbell2105

Жыл бұрын

Hi Bassin. Agreed. Best ever. Robin was one hell of a guy. But I somehow wish he had just hung it up and stayed with his wife to the end. But he could not have saved her of course. That's the way it is I guess.

Excellent tribute. We met Mr Olds on a cruise with the Aces around 2005. My wife's step father was a WWII Ace (Clayton Kelly Gross) and he invited us. Interesting and touching the reoccurring dream Mr Olds had. Toward the end of Mr. Gross' life he too was having reoccurring dreams of the war. He said he found that interesting because he said previously he had not had these dreams. His dreams were about being in the air, doing battle, and being with his crew and other pilots. It was such an important part of their life, it shaped who they became.

@mikebrase5161

3 ай бұрын

I'm pretty sure he was my dentist when I was a kid! Holy crap I had no idea he was an ace.

I read Robin old biography, fighter pilot. It was riveting. Thank you for creating this video book report . Robin Olds was truly the ultimate air warrior.

The description of the dream nearly brought a tear to my eye. Robin Olds has to be one of the most legendary pilots forged by the United States, and I hope that dream is where he is today, having a good time with all those familiar faces.

I believe with all my heart Robin got his 5th Mig, one thing Ward didn't mention about Robin is that he admits to falsifying records while the Commander of the 8th TFW, he erased his Counters(Counters are 100 missions in North Vietnam Route Packs) to remain as the Commander of the 8th longer. Also it would be like him become the first 1st Ace of the Vietnam War and just didn't tell anyone.

@180mph9

Жыл бұрын

No doubt. 🇺🇸

@yobgow

Жыл бұрын

His daughter says he didn't, and she asked him.

@windwalker5765

Жыл бұрын

Several pilots of the 8th claim that he gave them his kills, so that he wouldn't get called back.

@Th3Rambler

Жыл бұрын

He supposedly flew missions during his tour as the IG. I was saw an interview with Robin where he was asked about a 5th kill in Vietnam, all he said was “as the French say, probably” in a slight French accent

@maddthomas

Жыл бұрын

@@Th3Rambler Oh yea, I read his autobiography, I think he was sneaking around flying every ones but the 8th TFW's F-4's over North Vietnam, but I never saw that interview. I was only going by his actions, fighting to stay in combat and lead his troops and interviews of the men that flew with him, whenever his 4 official Mig kills were brought up, there always seemed to be a "wink" or asterisk. Dude were is that interview?

You tell his story very well! He has been one of my heroes for many years! To this day his leadership still has an incredible impact on our military!

Brought tears to my eyes.....what a magnificent tribute to a TRUE LEGEND! WELL DONE, Ward!

General Olds had all of his gun camera films from WWII and Southeast Asia spliced together into one long movie. Once when I was at the Air Force Academy he showed them to a group of us and narrated as they progressed. It was quite an experience to listen to him re-live every pass, every air-to-air shot. One thing that stuck in my mind was that when they were strafing trains in Germany, they would kill the locomotive on the first pass, then walk the guns up the ditch alongside the tracks on subsequent passes. He explained that as soon as the train stopped any troops that were aboard would pile out and take cover in the ditches. It was brutal.

@motionsic

Жыл бұрын

What a privilege to hear from a master teaching his deadly craft. Would you share any air-to-air teachings?

@mxcollin95

Жыл бұрын

That’s badass that you got to hear it straight from him!

@tomandalbert

Жыл бұрын

Want to read about strafing in WWII? Look for MAD REBEL ... A YOUTH AT WAR John H. Oliphint From: 3559th Fighter Pilots. I bought a box of these from John and had them all Autographed. For All Who Read These Words “Freedom is NOT Free!” John Olinphint

@martindice5424

Жыл бұрын

Mooch mate. Robin Olds is a total LEGE! Respect from the UK. And that is hard to get mate ..

@Jakob_DK

Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately also civilian trains in occupied nations were strafed. My grandfather, a doctor, was traveling by passenger train here in Denmark. He survived.

Great story on a genuine American hero. Love your comment on his legacy - “disdain on processes and bureaucracy without purpose and took deliberate action against them”. Somehow his “Blackman & Robin” shows more humor, respect and endearment with Chappie then the PC nonsense that institutions public and private are wasting resources to propagate…

@philgiglio7922

Жыл бұрын

From what I've read/heard they were the two hands working together

@calvinlee1813

Жыл бұрын

My Dad was an F-94C guy. I don't believe he flew with either Gen. Olds or Gen. James but as a kid I knew about "Blackman and Robin". My dad had an issue of Air Combat that covered Operation Bolo and where the Article was Batman and Robin, my father corrected it with an ink pin.

Col (Gen) Olds was our commander at Ubon RTAFB. Only met him once when he was doing a “walk-thru” the area. I went to salute but he quickly put out his hand. Never had a chance to talk.

I arrived at Ubon just as Col. Olds left. He left a legacy that we F-4 crew chiefs tried to carry forward. Proud to be an 8th TFW vet crew chief!

@12345directioner

11 ай бұрын

You were likely at Ubon, the same time as my Dad, Al Homstead.

I served with the 8th Fighter Wing at Ubon in 1972. The guy was still a legend.

Ward, you’ve out done yourself on this episode. I was a USAFA prep schooler when General Olds was the commandant of cadets. His example will live forever there. He was the inspiration for me becoming a fighter pilot and especially for having the privilege of flying the mighty F4 Phantom. If only the Air Force would heed his words.

Outstanding story!! As an USAF enlisted vet, I enjoyed this immensely and salute you Mr. Carroll for a job well done! Thank you for your service and for your patriotism!

This should be part of American History at all schools. I knew about him and his flying career in Vietnam 🇻🇳, but I didn’t know all this , excellent.

I read his daughters biography of him. Very good book and I recommend it to all. He was quite a character. This is probably one of the best tributes to an Air Force guy from a Navy guy ever.

Gen Olds was also the finest Commandant of Cadets to ever walk the terrazzo of USAFA. Cristina, his daughter does an excellent job of keeping his legacy alive.

My favorite quote from Robin Olds "Stupid people start wars, stupid people run wars, and very seldom listen to the people who are fighting the wars"

Ward, thank you. An excellent recap of a brilliant and talented man, soldier, pilot, and leader. The US military needs more men like Robin Olds.

From his biography he was originally in the class of 1944, but the Army accelerated the class of '44 to 1943 for the war effort. He also walked more tours in the West Point yard than anyone else in his class.

Olds was a fighter pilot's "fighter pilot". The best of the BEST.

Dad was RAAF pilot in Vietnam. Tears at end of this. Thx for excellent story 👍

I’m not a pilot, never flown anything, but I’m inspired by Robins life. I try to implement some of his characteristics in my life. Thanks to Robin for showing all of us what real leadership looks like.

Thanks for all you do Ward, but super special thanks for this one. Olds was my dad’s 8th TFW commander during his ‘65-‘66 tour at Ubon. After dad did a second tour with the Wolfpack in ‘68-‘69, Olds brought dad to work for him at USAFA. Our 4 years there were amazing - a great place for me as a kid and my parents had some fantastic Olds stories. Fast forward 35 years: heading out on my first AFG deployment my dad hands me his Wolfpack patch, which I kept in my flight suit on every combat sortie over Afghanistan & Iraq. “Olds” was often on the ATO as an MQ-9 call sign, and I wondered what General Olds would’ve thought about our brave new world of UAS/RPA combat... Thanks again for the fascinating channel - despite being around or in military aviation my whole life I always learn something new. Keep up the great work!

If I'm asked "If you could sit down for 1 hour and talk to anyone, who would it be"?? I would always say "Robin Olds"!!! 🇬🇧

@WardCarroll

Жыл бұрын

Good choice.

@lewiskemp5893

Жыл бұрын

He would be great. Mine would be Pappy Boyington since I met him as a teen

@chrisrumbold3621

Жыл бұрын

@@lewiskemp5893 The original "Black Sheep" 😉🇬🇧

@benlewis2475

Жыл бұрын

Robin Olds or Johnnie Johnson for me.

@chrisrumbold3621

Жыл бұрын

@@benlewis2475 Yes, another Hero!! My Mother met him during the war years, she worked for Irvin Air Chute and he paid a visit.

Out-frigging-standing, an excellent tribute to one of my all time heroes, the fighter pilots, fighter pilot. well done Sir! 👍

Olds is my favorite Fighter Pilot of all time. What a guy.

Ward, do an interview with Gen Olds’ daughter, Christine, & learn more about the man & All of the SCATs!

his deadstick air to air kill in a P-38 is a one of a kind achievement. A true leader.

@gscott5778

Жыл бұрын

I can almost imagin the thought - Well, I'm behind him I can still get him do that THEN recover this plane.

Story is well told Mooch.The majority of my UPT class at Laughlin AFB in 1968 were USAF Academy grads. They of course praised Robin Olds and Chappy James as well. Several of us were on a T-37 solo out and back cross country hop to Randolph AFB. Robin's F-4 was parked on the ramp when I landed. The ladder was still attached and it was a time when climbing aboard and checking out the the cockpit layout was something that wasn't questioned. We were caught on a weather cancel due to thunderstorms rolling over Del Rio from Mexico and had to check into the BOQ overnight. We headed in to the Officer's Club for a meal a met Robin at the bar who of course recognized my classmates from their days at the academy when he was Commandant of Cadets. He was larger than life. Bob McDermott was the Dean of cadets and retired about the same time my classmates graduated. We were always welcome in his home in San Antonio on our frequent weekend escapes from Southwest Texas. I remember in particular he had a dog who could turn the TV on by barking. --Pigpen

I was stationed at RAF Bentwaters in the Early 80s and found the stories about General olds, he became my hero and my love of the AF!

During my many years in the Air National Guard as a full-timer, I had the honor of working on more than one F4 that had been flown by Col. Olds and one that (that I know of) that had been flown by Gen. James which is now on display at Tuskegee University. Those were the days…

That was your greatest episode! Robin Olds was a heroes Hero! I have no idea why they haven't made a movie out of his book! It is the USAF version of Top Gun! I lost my father, in January. When I listened to this book many years ago, in the end I listened to his dream and I wept, because I lived my whole life to make my father proud and I hope Robin's dream came true, because though I am not a fighter pilot, I am a pilot, and could not have been one without my fathers encouragement! If his dream came true then maybe my father and I can reunite on the otherside in a hangar!

@soonerfrac4611

Жыл бұрын

For the life of me I don’t understand why the other branches haven’t made a solid, quality movie/recruiting tool like Top Gun was for the Navy. The Air Force tried then backed out of Iron Eagles. Still one of my favorites even though it gets so much wrong. Heartbreak Ridge was pretty good for the Corps even though the real event was an Army Ranger battalion. There’s a few good ones set during WWII, with the closest to modern and pro-military to some point was Blackhawk Down. Frankly, the reason IMO is because Hollywood dislikes portraying the military, especially infantrymen, as the good guys. Anything the AF signs onto for technical assistance in an air power type movie is going to automatically be called a Top Gun ripoff, even if TG 2 is essentially Star Wars. I’m honestly not sure how to make a solid flick for the Air Force. The Army & Corps is a bit easier: special operations. And maybe even the AF could help get a script out for AFSOC. But, again, spec ops movies have been done over and over. Probably my idea for a modern era (last 30yrs) would be a modern tank movie. A film about 73 Easting would be good.

Thanks for this wonderful video. I was at Ubon Oct. 1966 -- Oct 1967. I was a radar operator and for a short time I was assigned to work in the 8th command post. I only met col Olds one time, I was ordered by a 4 star to get him out of his morning breifing which was strickly forbidden. He did not chew me out, just said, "I hate fu..... Generals."

This was an incredible telling of a quintessential warrior pilot Ward! The relating of General Olds dream at the end literally had me in tears thank you very much! Rest In Peace General

A pilots pilot, a mans man. Being recalled for one more tour of duty with our Father in heaven, and with his mustache and a beer at his side. RIP Robin Olds!

@oldgoat142

Жыл бұрын

The epitome of a leader.

As an Air Force NCO, I always got the feeling that the USAF, in any of their teaching regarding Gen. Olds, was that he was seen in sort of an off color light (I suppose from his mustache and his bold actions), but he was revered nonetheless. I know he's always been revered by me. I watched ever second of this video, and I thank you for it.

Much, much love! Thank you. Col Sheldon Swafford, my friend, flew into Normandy in a wooden bird .

thank you, Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!!!!!! Robin Olds is THE ONE PERSON on this planet I look up to. I ALWAYS love hearing someone speak about him as there is always something another person may not have know or missed out. We need another man like this one today.

My father was at Ubon with 79 SQN RAAF when the base was first established. 79 SQN flew Avon Sabres that were providing air defence for the base. Olds saw 79 SQN, which he referred to as TWA (Teeny Weeny Airforce), as a resource and arranged for his crews to participate in Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT) with 79 SQN at the end of 8th TFW missions.

@KIA-MIA-POW

Жыл бұрын

Not much left of 79SQN at Ubon these days, just some broken up concrete foundations next to a rusted water tank. The results of Agent Orange spraying on the perimeter can still be seen. Anytime you're there be sure to visit the RTAF museum and the memorial to PLTOFF Mark McGrath RAAF.

What a great tribute to a great man a greater fighter pilot.

Ward, awesome video. I read Robin's memoir's right after it's release. I began service as a civilian aerospace engineer in 1977 and disappointed that I never met Robin, however a close friend/colleague of mine had. His father flew with Robin in Vietnam and later skied together at Steamboat. I spent my career at WPAFB and got to see Robin's F-4 in the museum. Two cousins on my fathers side also flew in Vietnam, one flew 275 combat missions in the F-100 and F-105, the other flew the C-123 and the C-130 Gunship. His C-123 also sits in the USAF Museum, callsign "Patches". My son also became a fighter pilot flying the F-16C.

Lest we not forget……….. Awesome video encompassing what made us all great in the past and highlighting a lot of the lessons that unfortunately seem to have been forgotten🇺🇸🇺🇸🇬🇧🇬🇧

My favorite quote from BG Steve Ritchie: "Mixed emotions is when the IG team crashes in flames on finals..."

Robin Olds meeting John Wayne: Wayne: "Hi. John Wayne. Nice to meet ya. I just stared in a movie where I play a hot shot military pilot who's a liability to the top brass because I don't always follow the rules. But in the end, I prove my worth by leading my squadron of pilots into battle and shoot down several enemy planes." Olds "How exciting."

@oldcremona

Жыл бұрын

Lol

Great video!!! My dad, flew with Robin Olds in Viet Nam, was a Captain flew F4s with him in his squadron.. My Dad talks about one mission where out of all the jets that went out on a mission one morning, only he and Robin were the only two that came back. Said Robin was a brilliant pilot.

Excellent recap of Robin Olds' memoirs, which was a gift from my son while he was serving as a flight surgeon in Germany. Although Ward was a navy pilot, his respect for another military pilot comes through in this commemorative video. Well done!

I've lived in Hampton, VA for the past 28 years. In fact, I live 1.5 miles south of the Langley AFB runway midpoint. The whole area, (Hampton Roads/Tidewater), is military driven. Within 25 miles we have Langley AFB, Home of the Air Combat Command, NAS Oceana, NAS Norfolk, Norfolk Naval Base, Little Creek Navy Base, the home of the East Coast SEAL Teams and Ft. Eustis Army Post, NASA and many smaller commands. Col Olds is remembered in Hampton High School. I read his biography last year. One thing I didn't hear was featured in Dan Hampton's book "Lords of the Sky" Is that Col. Olds was heading back to Ubon and low on fuel when the tanker said they had no more fuel for him and retracted the boom. Olds was almost completely out and reportedly said that " I have one sidewinder left and just be for I punch out, I'm going to shoot it at you." The boom then came back down.

Olds' work in Vietnam saved many pilots lives. He gave the Airforce the kick in the ass it needed and they haven't looked back since. Legend.

@bearowen5480

Жыл бұрын

You're wrong in implying that Olds' influence on the Air Force has been a lasting one. With some relatively minor exceptions, the service has lapsed back into its bureaucratic, CYA rut. The promotion system rewards the technocrats and bland yes men/women for not rocking the boat. It's a recipe for disaster in the next war. The only good news is that our most likely adversary in the next shooting war is China. China's Communist Red Army, Navy, and Air Force are made up of automatons who are totally averse to innovating on their own. Otherwise we'd be toast. Wokeness and

@timcfi

Жыл бұрын

Well done sir!

@709mash

2 ай бұрын

​​@@bearowen5480this could probably be explain maybe by complacency due to not having to face the same kind of airial threat since Vietnam. It's probably easy to become cocky when you've had total air dominance, virtually, since the end of the war in Vietnam. Also, the tech has finally (and also presumably) caught up to the point that it actually does what it's designed to (see: stealth and beyond visual range engagements).

This was a great presentation Ward.... There is a great video of Robin's Daughter , Christina- who makes presentations in various parts of the country about her life with her father and mother... The video that I saw was of a presentation of Robin's leadership and a book that she wrote called Fighter Pilot, which was all about her father. The presentation took place in Torrance, Ca. At a place called the Western Aviation museum at Torrance Airport... It is very detailed on Robert Olds (Robins father) and Robin's WW2 activity and his men that were in his command while he flew over 152 missions in Vietnam.... What a great guy he was...

Oh God. I just finished watching this, and the ending???!! “Stevan” was my father, Gen. Robert Olds was my grandfather, and YES!! I totally believe this was Robin’s dream!!! Thank you so very much for making this video❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Listened to these stories from my Dad and his friends. Dad passed in March 2022 @ 95, his buddies, Gen Bud Day, Col Bull Simons (S/F), & so many others that flew fighters in WWII, Korea, 3 tours in Vietnam all passed years before him, I'm certain he's having a drink with them all...he made it as well at the end of the dream. RIP Pop, Love You!

I’ve known of Robin Olds a good part of my life, but you did such a great job of telling his complete story, filling in many details I did not know. I actually visited his gravesite at the Air Force Academy cemetery last year. Thank you so very much for your willingness to celebrate the life of this great Army and Air Force hero.

What a man Robin Olds was , this is a excellent review of his life & service !👍

What a beautiful tribute to a genuine American hero. Thanks for telling the story. I'd heard bits and pieces before, but never told quite so well or so lovingly.

I never tire of hearing the Robin Olds story. I think this is what everyone who becomes a fighter pilot wants as a life and career.

@vivek27789

Жыл бұрын

True.. Very True

Excellent video Ward. This truly was a different time. Robin Olds was an incredibly driven man throughout his career. I’m proud to have a model of his SCAT XXVII F-4 with two mig kills on the intake next to a model wild weasel F-105.

@billgoodman2348

Жыл бұрын

I served as a weapons mechanic in Ubon for Col. Olds. We were a family. He was kind and polite to us. He would say hello Airman Goodman. We would keep him informed of any thing he ask. I will never forget the air show and party when the 8th TFW returned from operation Bolo.

Ward, I really enjoyed your presentation about Robin Olds. My dad was an Air Force F-4 pilot who served under Chappie James at Davis-Monthan. My brother and I used to play pick-up baseball games with Col. James' younger son Claude (a.k.a. "Spud"). My dad later served from '67-68 in Vietnam--60 missions in the O-1 Bird Dog as a FAC liason officer for the Army and then100 missions in the F-4C. He was good friends with Bill Kirk. Major (later General) Kirk's son Les (William L Kirk Jr) was a classmate of mine in 3rd grade at DM and later in 6th grade in Fort Walton Beach when our dads were stationed at Eglin. Les became a Navy lieutenant but was killed in a car accident at the age of 26. As a 13-yr old I got to meet Col. Steve Ritchie, who was a friend of my best friend's father. All these names and places you mentioned brought back a flood of memories from my most interesting childhood as an Air force brat (8 moves before my 12th birthday). I never served myself, though I came within a whisker of enlisting in the Air Force band. I became a musican and a writer. And another fun fact: you and I have the same literary agent, Ethan Ellenberg. Small world!

Best episode ever. You captured the essence of the man, the myth, and the legend. They don’t make too many men like that these days.

@mikelouis9389

11 ай бұрын

They don't make many like him ever. He's proof that giants can be great pilots and magnificent human beings.

Thanks Ward for the story & tribute to a great. & legendary fighter pilot…it was an honor to serve at Ubon RTAFB with the Wolfpack, the 8th TAC, servicing electronics on F-4Cs, Ds, & Es, & all under Gen. Olds’ legend! Aim High! God bless all my brothers…

Hey ward!! This man is my hero, I am 13 and I love aviation and military history. I read the book Fighter Pilot which is his autobiography that was absolutely amazing. Also last spring break I want to the National museum of the USAF and I saw his phantom that he flew in Vietnam, truly a beast of a plane!!

@farminky

Жыл бұрын

Hammy did you see the Peninsula Seniors talk by his daughter? YT video SwBK0a3n658

@treykearns4867

Жыл бұрын

Stay in it youngster, it will provide a lifetime of amazement and enjoyment and learning!

@realMaverickBuckley

Жыл бұрын

So are you going to be a Fighter Pilot? Your generation and my sons could very well be the last.

@hammyhamster01

Жыл бұрын

@@farminky yes

I'm a Army combat Veteran and now a full time police chief. I say this not to boast or toot my horn, but to speak from a place of understanding. To many great American service member's stories go untold and even worse, never heard. So I thank you for the excellent job, truly first class sir. I wish our youth had more interest in such things. Lastly, I see several guitars in the background. I to play guitar...since the age of 14. Guess it's a warriors way to relax since not much else can keep our intrest for long. Stay safe, stay healthy and keep up the great work sir.

The English base is pronounced Watti Sham. Great stuff, thanks Ward. Queen Elizabeth is the wrong one, Queen E had two funnels, you've picked QE 2. (Do not confuse with Queen Mary which had three funnels). It was a privilege to listen and he was the kind of officer that is so incredibly rare these days. We always remember when we met them.

Olds is one of those people that just can't be tamed or contained, despite the hierarchical command structure he worked within. Tell him no, and he subverts the system. Great story to listen to an absolute legend, although I'm sure he was hard to work with. A different era for sure.

Robin Olds was obviously naturally gifted with a tactically & spacially astute mind and a robust & imposing physique, borne out by playing football in both offence and defence in his youth, all rolled in with a high degree of controlled aggression he was quite literally born to be a fighter pilot. In addition to those qualities he was also a natural and inspirational combat leader, I believe he would've excelled in any branch of the United States military. Yet another instance of the greatest generation. Thanks again sir for an interesting and informative video.

@dewfree5869

Жыл бұрын

Where your wrong is he didnt have shit going for him but , attitude for success!

@dewfree5869

Жыл бұрын

Another words, get out of my way and let me succeed!

@dewfree5869

Жыл бұрын

MosT Aces

@ChiekoGamers

Жыл бұрын

No such thing as "naturally" gifted

@tboda2621

9 ай бұрын

As I leave this world, and having been part of this so called, "greatest generation" I have what is the single most recurring question amongst my, mostly late contemporaries. "How the hell did we ever allow this cultural, nightmare of sexual this and that( please reader, don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about), heroes so deformed from multiple plastic surgeries, that they barely pass for human...and who would much prefer little boys to gorgeous young movie stars. That's enough, I'll try to stop. Wait, wait, Most of these modern day heroes would NEVER look up to Robin as a hero! To most of them he's just a knuckle scraping killer of innocent civilians. Yes, we did this!!! They are our grandkids, Great nephews and nieces, am I even allowed to mention that there's a difference without a fine, and jail time? Please wake up my precious AMERICA!!!! I love you and all of your Robin Olds so much! If there was ever a case of be careful what you ask for. Well, we wanted our kids and our grandkids to go to college right? Now you can thank, Satre, Marx, Lenin (both of them, spelling not withstanding), We did it!!! Our kids, (The greatest generation Jr.) Please help us Lord before it's legal for a man to marry a salad bowl. Thank you, and God Bless You Robin.👍

Excellent biography of a great man. My first assignment in the USAF was to the 81 TFW, RAF Bentwaters in 1978. I wish I could have served under Robin Olds. Our commander was Col. Wacker.

This was great. My dad was a motion picture cameraman in the Air Force and filmed him in Vietnam in 1972. He loved telling stories about Col. Olds when I was growing up. Thank you for this!

I am a retired Air Force officer. Robin Olds remains a legend. We had and have too few like him.

Prior to the internet, I first heard about Robin Olds via a lithograph convo I had with my pops. He went through ACSC & his trophy room had these framed Gathering of Eagles lithographs. As a kid at the time, it was pretty cool seeing the different generations of Aces and discussing how each generation incorporated technology into their tactics. 🤙

Dude, that was an awesome tribute to General Olds. Retired Air Force here, F-111F RAF Lakenheath, T-38 IP Sheppard AFB, F-117 Holloman AFB, Airline refugee welcome back tour Predator UAV deployed to various tent cities, Back to F-117 2004-2007, Retired summer of 2007. What a ride! Keep up the good work! BTW I played Crud with General Yeager at Lakenheath in 1988, had a couple rounds of the dollar bill game also, I lost, and Yeager signed the dollar bill. Not kidding.

That was a great episode that took me through the full spectrum of emotions. I guess im getting to the age where my heroes are all gone. What a guy, RIP.