Fighter Pilot - Christina Olds, Robin Olds & Ed Rasimus

Fighter Pilot

By Christina Olds, Robin Olds & Ed Rasimus

  • Release Date: 2010-04-13
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 335 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

  • Legendary book for a man with a legendary mustache

    5
    By Brandon Howsare
    I want to start this review by saying that I am NOT a reader. I don’t read books for personal pleasure. It’s always been for projects/school. However.. this book would not let me put it down. The writing style makes you feel like you are in the story and living it right along side Robin Olds. Fighter Pilot is a must read for anyone in my opinion, but especially for those who have served or currently serve and those who are enthralled with taking to the sky!
  • The autobiography of a great man

    5
    By GregS96
    Phenomenal read. If you like history, heroes, and flying, you can’t go wrong by reading this book. The last chapter will leave you with the lump in your throat.
  • Historically interesting

    3
    By Dellrodd07
    But a bit too much self-appreciation.
  • 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.