Learning Center Our Enshrinees

Robin Olds


  • Graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and received his commission as Second Lieutenant in June of 1943.
  • Achieved ace status as a fighter pilot during World War II by shooting down 13 enemy aircraft in 107 combat mission and destroying 11.5 aircraft on the ground.
  • First American to command a British Royal Air Force Squadron.
  • Was wing man on the first jet acrobatic team in the Air Force and won second place in the Thompson Trophy Race (Jet Division) at Cleveland in 1946
  • Assumed the role of commander in 1966 of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing in Thailand in 1966. While there, he completed 152 combat missions, including 105 over North Vietnam, and downed two MIG-17 and two MIG-21 aircraft over North Vietnam.
  • Served as Commandant of Cadets at the Air Force Academy from 1967 to 1971.
  • Assumed the position of Director of Aerospace Safety in the Air Force Inspection and Safety Center at Norton Air Force Base, California in February 1971.
  • Awarded the Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star with three oak leaf clusters, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with five oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with 39 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, British Distinguished Flying Cross, French Croix de Guerre, Vietnam Air Force Distinguished Service Order, Vietnam Air Gallantry Medal with Gold Wings, Vietnam Air Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

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