May 13, 2008

The Fresno State Air Force ROTC will present a tree dedication ceremony in honor of Brig. Gen. Robin Olds on Sunday, Nov. 4, at noon at the California State University, Fresno campus.

The event will take place near the Air Force ROTC Building, located next to the North Gym. Parking will be available in parking lot K.

The Robin Olds Squadron of Arnold Air Society of the Fresno State AFROTC will host a luncheon following the ceremony.

Among those attending will be Jennifer Newman of Santa Monica, granddaughter of Robin Olds; Dr. John D. Welty, university president; Dr. Doug Hensler, dean of the Craig School of Business; Dr. Paul Oliaro, vice president for Student Affairs; and several retired military members from the community.

Maj. Thomas Ringlein, Commandant of Cadets for AFROTC Detachment 35, will lead 14 full members and 11 candidates of the Robin Olds Arnold Air Society.

For more information: 559.278.2593.

BACKGROUND on Brig. Gen. Robin Olds (provided by AFROTC) Brigadier General (retired)

Robin Olds, a true warrior and one of the giants of air power, died June14. His influence on who we are as an Air Force today can hardly be overstated.

Olds' legendary leadership and heroic service to the cause of freedom are an inspiration to all of us. He became a double-ace with 12 aerial victories during World War II, flying P-38 Lightnings and P-51 Mustangs. Following World War II, he served as squadron commander of Royal Air Force No. 1 Fighter Squadron, where he helped strengthen post-war alliances and foster important air force-to-air force relationships. Later, he returned to combat in Vietnam flying the F-4 Phantom II. He scored four kills against MiG-17s and MiG-21s - including two on one day - bringing his total to 16.

During the Vietnam War, Brig. Gen. Olds led the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing to a record 24 kills. The combat teamwork and aggressiveness that he fostered among those under his command led to the wing's nickname, the "Wolf Pack." As the architect and mission commander of Operation Bolo, Brig Gen Olds introduced innovative tactics that led to the most successful air battle of the Vietnam War. Flying F-4s but using F-105 Thunderchief call signs and routes to deceive the enemy, Brig Gen Olds planned and led the mission that destroyed seven enemy MiGs with zero friendly losses.

Throughout his career, Brig. Gen. Olds was a fierce airpower proponent and strongly argued for effects-based plans rather than platform-based mission sets. He was a staunch advocate for better fighters, better pilot training, and new tactics, influencing the war-winning air-to-air and precision engagement tactics we use today. And from 1967-71, he shaped a new generation of Airmen Warriors as commandant of cadets at our U.S. Air Force Academy.

America and our Air Force are grateful for his leadership and accomplishments, and his legend will live always - in song and story. Whether as an All-American football player at West Point, a triple-ace fighter pilot, or an innovative tactician and officer, Brig. Gen. Olds' courageous life, selfless service and warrior ethos epitomized who we are as Airmen and what we do for our great nation.