The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Colonel Robin Olds (AFSN: 0-26046), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Strike Mission Commander in the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, against the Paul Doumer Bridge, a major north-south transportation link on Hanoi’s Red River in North Vietnam, on 11 August 1967. On that date, Colonel Olds led his strike force of eight F-4C aircraft against a key railroad and highway bridge in North Vietnam. Despite intense, accurately directed fire, multiple surface-to-air missile attacks on his force, and continuous harassment by MiG fighters defending the target, Colonel Olds, with undaunted determination, indomitable courage, and professional skill, led his force through to help destroy this significant bridge. As a result the flow of war materials into this area was appreciably reduced. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Colonel Olds reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: 11-Aug-67
Service: Air Force
Rank: Colonel
Regiment: 8th Tactical Fighter Wing
Division: Ubon-Rachitani Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand
© 2015, Bryan R. Swopes
I was at Ubon when he was in command. Great leader.
USMC air wing, VMFA-531 “Grey Ghosts” at DaNang, April 1965.
I was at Ubon a couple years later. He set the morale there at an incredible level. The Mormon base commander who came in in mid 70 tried, but failed, to destroy it.
I was at a Commander’s call at the Base Theater when Col. Olds warned us about the Mormon Commander who was coming to take his place. We were actually at the theater to hear the stories of the crew that shot down migs that day. PACAF had stopped the victory rolls over the base and Robin was not happy. He called the Wing together so we could still celebrate. I wished now I had taped it. 20/20 hindsight.
I was at Ubon 69’-70’ and the moral was high.
Chappie James was there too before I arrived.
I was in Ubon 67-68, 433rd TFS as Crew Chief. Being there I remember.
I was there 66_67 and flew in Bollo 1 and 2. Will always remember the leadership of Col. Olds, would follow him to hell if need be.
I was a Phantom crew chief stationed at Ubon for the bulk of Col. Olds tour there. He was a great leader & I will never forget his, and the 8th’s accaccomplishments during that time
I was a medic on night shift at Ubon when he was commander. Amazing transformation of morale after he arrived. We all did our job and no CS inspections. Lowest ranking enlisted guys were E-4. You either knew your job or you weren’t there. No time for OJT. Shit-hot outfit. Loved it.
I was there the day he arrived at Ubon. He briefed all of us pilots that he would fly on our wing for 30 days to learn what we knew and then he would teach us all that he knew about air combat, and together make the 8th TFW the best wing in the the war. Morale skyrocketed, mission effectiveness vastly improved and the rest is history thanks to the greatest air warrior of the second half of the 20th Century.
I was there.1966-1967.great commander..Douglas franz ssgt 497 tac fighter squadron.