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Contact Info
Home Town Washington, DC
Last Address Tucson, Arizona
Date of Passing Apr 28, 1943
Wall/Plot Coordinates His ashes were dispersed from a B-17 bomber.
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
He was a theorist of strategic air power, and proponent of an independent air force. He was a member of the "Bomber Mafia" whose influence led to the doctrine of daylight precision bombing during WWII. He was also an accomplished aviator and flight leader. He led the first operational group of B-17's which he led on goodwill tours of of South America which won him the MacKay and Harmon trophies. He also oversaw the development of standard operating procedures for the B-17. In WWII he did not command bombers in the field; instead his major contribution was creation and organization of the Air Corps Ferrying Command, delivered new aircraft to all parts of the globe, and which later became Air Transport Command and successors. He is also known for being the father of famous fighter ace Brig. Gen. Robin Olds.
He was cremated and his ashes were dispersed from a B-17 bomber. The Liberty Ship USS Major General Robert Olds was named in his honor.
(Citation Needed) - SYNOPSIS: Major General Robert Olds, United States Army, was awarded the Army Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility during World War II. General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 18 (1943) Service: Army Rank: Major General
Aircraft/Missile Information
General characteristics Primary function Medium bomber Power plant Two Wright R-2600-3 engines Thrust 1,600 HP 1,193 kW Wingspan 92 ft 28 m Length 58 ft 6 in 17.9 m Height 18 ft 6 in 5.6 m Weight max. 32,400 lb 14,700 kg Speed max. 282 mph 454 km/h Speed cruising 210 mph 338 km/h Range 1,400 miles 2,253 km Ceiling 31,600 ft 9,632 m Armament 3x 7.62mm M-2 machine guns, 1x 12.7mm M-2 machine gun, 4,000 lb bombs internally Crew Six Cost $133,000 First flight July 1939 Number built 38