News>Three-time ace, former cadet commandant, buried at academy
Photos
A flag, photo and the urn containing the ashes of legendary fighter pilot, retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, are placed at the altar of the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel June 30 during his memorial service. General Olds died June 14 in Steamboat Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dennis Rogers)
Retired Gen. Ralph "Ed" Eberhart, former commander of U.S. Northern Command, addresses well-wishers June 30 at the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel during the memorial service for legendary fighter pilot, retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds. General Olds died June 14 in Steamboat Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dennis Rogers)
Susan Scott-Risner, daughter of retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, hugs the flag presented in his honor during his funeral services June 30 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. General Olds, one of the Air Force's leading fighter pilots, died June 14 in Steamboat Springs Colorado at the age of 84. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dennis Rogers)
Lt. Gen. John Regni, superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, presents the American flag to Jennifer Newman, granddaughter of retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, at his funeral ceremonies June 30. General Olds, one of the Air Force's leading fighter pilots, died June 14 in Steamboat Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dennis Rogers)
The U.S. Air Force Academy Honor Guard carries the urn containing the ashes of retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds from the academy chapel following his memorial service June 30. General Olds, one of the Air Force's leading fighter pilots, died June 14 in Steamboat Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dennis Rogers)
Colonel Charlie Spickle, USAF (ret) of Dayton OH renders a final salute to Brig Gen Robin Olds who passed away June 14, 2007 at the age of 84. Gen Olds was buried at the Air Force Academy, where he served as commandant of cadets from 1967 to 1971. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Danny Meyer)
The family of retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds prepare to enter the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel for his memorial service june 30. General Olds, one of the Air Force's leading fighter pilots, died June 14 in Steamboat Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dennis Rogers)
Christina Olds, daughter of legendary fighter pilot, retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, addresses well wishers during his memorial service at the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel June 30. General Olds died June 14 in Steamboat Springs, Colo. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dennis Rogers)
The urn containing the ashes of Brigadier General Robin Olds are carried through a saber cordon by the U.S. Air Force Academy Honor Guard into the Cadet Chapel Saturday. General Olds, one of the Air Force's leading fighter pilots, died June 14th in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. (U.S. Air Force photo/Danny Meyer)
The urn containing the ashes of Brigadier General Robin Olds are carried into the Cadet Chapel Saturday. General Olds, one of the Air Force's leading fighter pilots, died June 14th in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. (U.S. Air Force photo/Danny Meyer)
The urn containing the ashes of legendary fighter pilot Brigadier General Robin Olds is featured in front of a photo of the late Brig Gen Olds after his funeral Saturday. General Olds died June 14th in Steamboat Springs, CO and was buried at the Academy cemetary. (U.S. Air Force photo/Danny Meyer)
by Butch Wehry
U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
6/30/2007 - U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) -- Retired Brig. Gen. Robin Olds was buried June 30 at the U.S. Air Force Academy cemetery after funeral services in the cadet Protestant chapel. A 14-aircraft aerial review included four F-4 Phantoms flying a missing man formation.
The legendary fighter pilot died June 14 from congestive heart failure, one month short of his 85th birthday. He died peacefully at his home in Steamboat Springs, Colo., in the company of family and friends.
Retired Gen. Ralph E. Eberhart was a cadet when then-Colonel Olds arrived to become the academy commandant in 1967.
"In four years he touched the lives of 7,000 cadets," said General Eberhart, then a cadet wing commander, during the chapel service. "He was an exciting and, yes, an electrifying leader. And it is true that the whole cadet wing wore paper handlebar mustaches to greet him. He was thrilled."
Retired Air Force fighter pilot Brig. Gen. Robert F. Titus described General Olds as "the best aerial combat leader that ever lived."
General Olds' daughters, Susan Scott-Risner and Christina, and granddaughter Jennifer Newman spoke at the services.
"Pappa, you taught me many things," she said. She is completing a book her father was working on.
Christina Olds took care of her father during his last three months.
"He loved letters and e-mail from you and from all over the world," she said to the more than 500 people in attendance.
He shot down 13 enemy aircraft over Europe and became a triple ace 23 years later during the Vietnam War when he downed 4 MiGS. He flew 152 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom as the commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon AB in Thailand. General Olds' exploits as the creator and mission commander of Operation Bolo, the most successful aerial battle of the Vietnam conflict, has been documented in the recent History Channel Dogfights Special series "Air Ambush."
General Olds graduated from the United States Military Academy and served from 1943 to 1973. He was named the academy's commandant of cadets 1967 to 1971. After retirement, he was frequently called upon as guest speaker and lecturer for his inspirational and motivational talks. He traveled all over the world speaking to military and civilian groups alike.
He is survived by his wife, Morgan Olds, daughters Christina and Susan, granddaughter Jennifer and his half-brother, Fred Olds.
Lt. Gen. John Regni, U.S Air Force Academy superintendent, General Olds' family and attending guests threw nickels into the vault at the cemetery, a tradition at burials for deceased fighter pilots.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association toward scholarships for the children or spouses of armed forces aircrew members killed or missing in action.
