He was born 4th September 1931 to Leo and Ann Olman of Chicago, Illinois and was the second of two boys. He graduated with honors from the American Technological University in Killeen, Texas with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He entered the United States Air Force in 1952 as an Aviation Cadet and graduated from Laredo AFB, Texas with his Pilot Wings and Commission as Second Lieutenant in 1953. He attended Tactical Jet Fighter training and was assigned to the Tactical Air Command and Pacific Air Forces throughout his career. He retired in 1979 as a Command Pilot with over 5000 hours of flying time. He served as a pilot, aircraft command, instructor pilot and flight examiner in tactical jet fighters such as the F-86, F-100, F-105 and F-111 aircrafts. In the latter phase of his career, he served with distinction in Key Staff and Command positions with 5th Air Force in Japan, 12th Air Force in Austin, Texas and Pacific Air Forces at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, whereby he received a Regular Commission in the United States Air Force. All his combat missions were flown in North Vietnam in F-105 jet fighters. He was also the Commander of Detachment I, 405th Fighter Wing in Tainan, Taiwan. After his military career, he worked for Continental Cars, Inc. in Austin, Texas.
His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meretricious Service Medal, Air Medals, Commendation Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation as well as many others. While on active duty he graduated from the Air Force Command and Staff School and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
He is a Life Member in the Deadalians (a National Fraternity of Military Pilots), The Air Force Association, Military Officers Association of America, 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron Association, Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, F-86 Sabre Pilots Association, and Super Sabre Society F-100. After his Military career, he joined The University of Texas Ex-Students Association as a Life Member and participated in the Longhorn Foundation. This was largely in part because his daughter and son were graduates of the University. He enjoyed The University of Texas football and baseball programs.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Hans Olman.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Dolores "Rusty" Olman, daughter Karen Mayer, son Mark Olman, granddaughter Lauren Mayer-Cano, husband Alberto Cano and great grandson Sebastian Cano.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 6-8 pm on 18th of January 2013, at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Church service will be at 1pm on 19th January 2013 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 4311 Small Dr., Austin, Texas. Interment, with graveside services and full military honors, will be at 1pm on 25th January 2013 at Fort Sam National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Helping Hands Basset Rescue in his name at www.hhbassetrescue.org.
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