HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Leadership.
A quality that has defined legends throughout human history.
Retired Air Force pilot and Air Force Cross recipient, Brig. Gen. Robin Olds is one such individual who personified the essence of true leadership through his sincerity and personal connections created during his military service.
“It was sincere. That’s how he was as a person,” said Christina Olds, a daughter of Brig. Gen. Robin Olds and the author of Fighter Pilot: The memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds. “I think that’s what makes a great leader, that personal connection.”
The leadership qualities of Gen. Olds led him to many victories throughout his missions in World War II and the Vietnam War.
Amassing 16 confirmed air-to-air kills earned him the recognition of triple ace.
“He was also a very courageous and tough warrior when he needed to be,” said Christina Olds.
However, Gen. Olds aptitude in the sky was not the sole reason others looked up to him. He always made sure to establish himself as a person people could depend on no matter how big or small their burden may be.
“The first thing he would do when he got to his new assignments would be to introduce himself to everyone,” said Ms. Olds. “Everyone in the hospitals, the Base Exchange, the shops, the clubs and even the barbers.”
Hawaii-born Gen. Olds genuinely cared about his fellow Airmen and those associated with his missions.
Even though they weren’t in the air with him, he knew they were an integral part to keeping him flying.
“He would go speak with the kids on the flightline working on the aircraft,” said Ms. Olds. “He would learn about their families, learn about what they needed, or what supplies they aren’t getting and what he could do to help them.”
The son of Army Air Corps Maj. Gen. Robert Olds, Robin took the well-being of his fellow Airmen seriously. If they needed assistance completing their mission, he would ensure their needs were recognized.
“He just let people know that he had their backs,” said Ms. Olds. “They could count on him to take responsibility and get things done for them. He did that on a really personal level. He engaged both the noncommissioned officers and the pilots. He let everyone know he cared.”
General Olds has been an inspiration to many people throughout his lifetime. He was an All-Star player for the West Point Academy football team, a husband and father of two daughters.
He was idolized by many people throughout his life, most of all by his family.
“My dad and I were great buddies,” said Christina Olds. “I followed him around like a puppy through my childhood and my teens. We became best friends.”
No matter how busy he might have been becoming a legendary pilot or flying missions, he always took the time to care for his family.
“He was the one who cooked breakfast for us in the morning before we went to school,” said Christina Olds, his 54-year-old daughter. “He was the one who read to me at night when we were tucked into bed.”
She shared similar sentiments about her father as his fellow Airmen did.
“His men loved to follow him,” said Ms. Olds. “They would follow him to hell and back. I felt the same way as a child.”
Natural-born leadership coupled with a positive attitude made for a successful military career and family life for Robin Olds.
“I’m so proud of him,” said Christina, his oldest daughter. “I feel really blessed to have him as a father. He was an amazing father-- great fun all the time, and really great to follow around. I always felt safe with him.”
General Olds established himself as a man of many talents-- a role model for people of all ages.
“He’s one of those people you can describe as a Renaissance Man,” said Ms. Olds. “He could do everything. He could play the piano, sing, draw, write poetry and build. He was a wood carver and loved to ski.”
Christina traveled with her father after his retirement, this allowed her to see people’s endearment toward him first hand.
“I was able to travel with him to many speeches and air shows during his retirement years and really got to see how revered he is by pilots around the world,” she said. “It gave me a real taste of what he is all about, what his mission was and what his personality was in the Air Force.”
General Olds had begun writing his own memoirs, but left them unfinished because he preferred traveling and spending time with his family.
His daughter decided to complete her father’s unfinished memoirs.
“I’m going to share his legacy with the world,” she said. “I’m grateful that I can do my part in carrying on his history and legacy.”
Christina wrote Fighter Pilot: The memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds so her father’s story could be passed on through the generations, allowing more people to learn about the incredible person he was, and inspire new and upcoming pilots.
“I wrote the book Fighter Pilot, for sake of all the active duty fighter pilots around the world,” said Ms. Olds. “I want them to have that infusion of spirit that keeps them going and lets them know they are doing a great job.”
Although Gen. Olds was a highly decorated triple ace pilot, his daughter believes his leadership qualities are what people will remember the most.
Great leaders leave a huge mark in history. Their impact can win wars, shape futures and bring to light new and unique ways of tackling tough obstacles.
“I think his greatest accomplishment is how he’s still inspiring pilots today. His leadership was an innate thing with him. He had a natural ability to engage with other people,” said Ms. Olds. “I think that’s why his leadership is almost known more today than his abilities as a fighter pilot.”