The United States Air Force Academy opened its doors in 1955, and four years later the Class of 1959 became the Academy’s first graduating class. These young men entered a brand‑new institution with no traditions, no upper classes to guide them, and no established path to follow. What they built—through discipline, character, and shared purpose—became the foundation of the Long Blue Line.

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​From the beginning, the Academy drew national attention. Tens of thousands of young Americans sought the opportunity to join this pioneering class, and 306 were selected and entered the school in 1955.  They carried the responsibility of shaping the standards, culture, and expectations for every cadet who would follow.

 

The First Class—the Class of 1959—spent three years in a temporary facility at Lowry AFB in Denver and a single year at the permanent site outside of Colorado Springs.  Of the 306 who entered the program, 207 would graduate during the Academy's in the very first June Week in 1959. 

 

Perhaps more can be written to fill in the details of the early Academy and the First Class, but this quote from Ken Thompson summarizes it all:

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"During one parade in our freshman year, the heavens opened up. It was the worst rainstorm that I remembered up to that time (probably since then also). We wore our khaki uniforms, but with no rain gear, and, of course, we were soaked. Among my better thoughts as we were marching through this storm was, "Who in their right mind would make us continue to march in this crazy weather?" The water was over our shoes as we marched in the roadways, and I kept envisioning our rifles becoming pure rust before the parade was over! By the time the Pass In Review started, I was thoroughly convinced, and from the murmurs I kept hearing from the ranks, I think most of the rest of us were also convinced, that this whole exercise was the dumbest thing we had ever done!

 

All of a sudden, things changed. As we did our Eyes Right, we saw General Harmon—khaki uniform, no rain gear, no umbrella, standing straighter than any cadet I have ever seen! All of a sudden, it hit me as to why we were here, what the Academy was all about! General Harmon was not miserable; he was proud! I sensed a similar feeling throughout the ranks. I remember singing "The Air Force Song" on the way back to the barracks; it seemed like everybody was singing their hearts out. This one thing, seeing General Harmon standing there thoroughly soaked, ramrod straight, and proud, did more to motivate me than anything before or after at the Academy."

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Since those early days, the class has gone on to produce an astronaut, four-star generals, a Rhodes Scholar, an Academy Superintendent, an Academy Commandant, Thunderbird pilots, and many other notable leaders.  Members of the class were lost in the Vietnam War, flew 24-hour missions during the Cuban Missile Crisis, explored space, and served in countless essential roles while defending our country. 

 

Among other awards, the class members have received:

• 1,298 Air Medals

• 171 Distinguished Flying Crosses

• 11 Defense Distinguished Service Medals

• 22 Air Force Distinguished Service Medals

• 18 Silver Stars

• 32 Defense Superior Service Medals

• 93 Legion of Merit

• 2 Airman's Medals

• 5 Soldier's Medals

• 50 Bronze Star Medals

• 9 Purple Hearts

• 18 Defense Meritorious Service Medals

• 186 Meritorious Service Medals

• 16 Joint Service Commendation Medals

• 182 Air Force Commendation Medals

• 1 Army Commendation Medals

• 1 Joint Service Achievement Medals

• 2 Air Force Achievement Medals

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The individual contributions are noted in the personal biographies of our members, but overall, we are proud of the class's accomplishments. 

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The USAFA Class of 1959, Forever First.