Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, a 1985 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, died Thursday of congestive heart failure. He was 84.

“Robin Olds was not only a multitalented threat on the football field, he was the definition of a true American hero,” said NFF President & CEO Steven Hatchell. “His courage and leadership will not be forgotten, and we send our deepest condolences to his family and the Army contingent.”

In two years at West Point, the 6-2, 205-pound Olds lettered as both an offensive and defensive tackle under renowned coach Earl “Red” Blaik. He garnered All-America laurels in 1942 and was recognized by Grantland Rice as "Player of the Year" the same season. Olds was elected captain of the 1943 team, but instead left West Point early to serve in World War II.

Olds later flew in Vietnam, leading the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. He downed 16 enemy aircraft in the two wars, making him a triple ace. As a colonel in 1967, he created a successful aerial trap for enemy MiGs called “Operation Bolo,” which utilized radar-jamming devices.

Olds received the Distinguished Service Medal, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Silver Stars, 20 Air Medals, the Legion of Merit, and the Air Force Medal. Promoted to Brigadier General in 1968, he was assigned to the U.S. Air Force Academy as Commandant of Cadets after his return from Southeast Asia. His staunch advocacy for better fighters and pilot training resulted in air-to-air tactics and precision bombing skills still used today.

He is survived by two daughters, Christina and Susan.

-NFF-