As a young man he was also recognized for his athletic prowess in both high school and college, being named an All-American as a lineman in college football. Olds had a highly publicized career and life, including marriage to Hollywood actress Ella Raines. His inability to rise higher as a general officer is attributed to both his maverick views and his penchant for drinking. The remainder of his career was spent in non-operational positions, as Commandant of Cadets at the United States Air Force Academy and as an official in the Air Force Inspector General's Office. Olds was promoted to brigadier general after returning from Vietnam but did not hold another major command. Rising to the command of two fighter wings, Olds is regarded among aviation historians, and his peers, as the best wing commander of the Vietnam War, for both his air-fighting skills, and his reputation as a combat leader.

He remained in the service as it became the United States Air Force, despite often being at odds with its leadership, and was one of its pioneer jet pilots. Army Air Corps, Olds epitomized the youthful World War II fighter pilot. Army Air Forces Major General Robert Olds, educated at West Point, and the product of an upbringing in the early years of the U.S. He retired in 1973 as a brigadier general, after 30 years of service.

He was a ' triple ace', with a combined total of 17 victories in World War II and the Vietnam War. July 14, 1922 – June 14, 2007) was an American fighter pilot and general officer in the United States Air Force (USAF).

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