Robert Earle Olson

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on January 30, 2007:

Robert Earle Olson Born November 19, 1928 - Died January 22, 2007 Robert Earle "Bob" Olson was born in Wyoming on 19 November 1928 but was appointed to West Point as the son of a deceased veteran. His West Point classmates recall: "Bob came to us claiming to be a rebel but his accent was a dead giveaway that he was another Army brat. His love of travel and desire to see more of the world passing beneath the leading edge of a wing brought him here to seek a career in the Air Force. We will long remember his continual 'hangar flying' and know the only place he will feel at home is in the sky. Happy landings, Ole!" During his cadet days Bob went out for Football and the Model Airplane Club plebe year; was with the Ski Club plebe, yearling, and cow years; with the Forum and Radio Club cow and first class years; with the Model Railroad Club cow year; and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. Upon graduation Bob went in the Air Force and after flying training reported for duty to a number of routine assignments. From 1959 to 1960 Bob was assigned to McConnell AFB then in 1960 went with the 19th and then with the 306th Bomb Wing. In 1963 Bob was assigned to the 47th Tactical Fighter Squadron and was on Temporary Duty to the South East Asia Command where he was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguished heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight; the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy; two Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight; and the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. In 1966 Bob attended the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia and then was assigned to the 2nd Air Division until 1967. Next Bob went on the Staff of the Commander in Chief, Pacific Command where he served until 1970 and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. In 1970 Bob obtained a Master of Arts degree from the University of Southern California and on completion of his studies was appointed Squadron Commander with the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing where he served in that capacity until 1975 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. Bob retired in 1975 from the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. Since retirement Bob has served as Department Chairman with the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University from 1976 until 1980 when he was named Vice President for Maintenance and Operations of Cochise Airlines a position he held until 1982. In 1982 Bob became Aircraft Maintenance Site Manager with the United States Customs at DM AFB a position he held until 1992. Bob and Mildred made their home in Amarillo, Texas. Link to obit found in the local Amarillo newspaper: http://www.amarillo.com/stories/012507/obi_obits13.shtml

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