After graduation from West Point, then Lt. Olds was assigned to the European Theater near the end of WWII. He first flew P-38 Lightnings and later P-51 Mustangs. During this period, he was credited with 12 aerial victories. By the end of his tour, he was the commander of his fighter squadron.
Following the end of WWII, he commanded two wings in Europe until he was transferred to Southeast Asia.
Colonel Olds took over command of the 8th Fighter Wing at Uban, Thailand flying F-4 Phantoms against North Vietnamese Migs. While in command of the “Wolf Pack”, he lead his wing to 24 aerial victories, 4 of them, his own. Additionally, he is credited with refining air to air tactics including “OPERATION BOLO” in which his F-4's would fly in formations resembling F-105's formations to lure Migs to them. His decorations include the Air Force Cross, 4 Silver Stars and the Air Medal with 39 oak leaf clusters.
General Olds, throughout his career, advocated better fighters, better training and better tactics and his techniques are in use today.
And he wore a funny hat and sold ice cream...
He was US Air Force. He never contributed to any national security goals. He only wore a funny cap and leather jacket.
And he sold ice cream sprinkled with an Air Force Cross, 4 Silver Stars and the Air Medal with 39 oak leaf clusters.
