Emil Earnest Cwach

EMIL ERNEST CWACH
U.S. Air Force Academy, Class of 1959, Cadet Squadron 03

Emil Ernest Cwach, a member of the "Forever First" Class of 1959, was a man whose life was defined by a quiet strength, a brilliant mathematical mind, and a deep devotion to his family. Born on August 3, 1937, in Yankton, South Dakota, Emil was raised in a large farming family of Czech descent. His journey began in a one-room schoolhouse, often taught by his own family members, where the foundations of his legendary work ethic and intellect were laid.

THE ACADEMY AND THE "FIRST CLASS"
Emil was among the 306 pioneers who took the oath at Lowry Air Force Base in 1955. At the Academy, he was known as a formidable athlete and a focused student. A standout on the gridiron, Emil played for the Air Force Falcons during their historic undefeated 1958 season, culminating in the 0-0 tie against TCU in the 1959 Cotton Bowl. His athletic prowess earned him a place in the Yankton High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

It was during his cadet years that he met the love of his life, Marlin Day. They were introduced on a blind date at Maxwell Air Force Base, famously matched by their height. This "chance" meeting led to nearly 60 years of marriage and a legacy of three daughters and many grandchildren.

COMBAT AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
Upon graduation, Emil entered pilot training, joining the 90% of his class who took to the skies. He became a skilled fighter pilot, flying the F-100 Super Sabre and the F-105 Thunderchief. During the Vietnam War, he flew combat missions with the 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron out of Takhli Air Base, Thailand. For his heroism and extraordinary achievement in flight, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters.

Transitioning from the cockpit to the drafting table, Emil pursued a Master’s and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. His transition to "civilian" engineering was no less impactful; he became a cornerstone of the aerospace industry, working for General Dynamics, Martin Marietta, and Lockheed Martin. His expertise was instrumental in the development of the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Titan Missile programs.

LEGACY OF A GENTLE POLYMATH
Despite his high-level contributions to national defense, Emil remained a modest man who found joy in the simple and the complex alike. He was an avid gardener, known for his "sweat-inducing" garlic dill pickles and bountiful harvests of grapes and raspberries shared with neighbors. He was a master craftsman who built furniture and could fix nearly anything.

His grandchildren fondly remember him reading their calculus textbooks as if they were entertaining novels—often having to pry the books away from him so they could finish their homework. His passion for mathematics was infectious, inspiring many in his family to follow him into STEM careers. Emil passed away on July 30, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of service, intellect, and love.
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SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Years Duty / Assignment Location
1955 – 1959 Cadet, United States Air Force Academy Lowry AFB / Colorado Springs, CO
1959 – 1960 Undergraduate Pilot Training Various Locations
1961 – 1964 Pilot, 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron Kadena Air Base, Japan
1964 – 1966 Pilot (F-105), 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron Seymour Johnson AFB, NC / Takhli AB, Thailand
1967 – 1979 Structures Engineer, General Dynamics Fort Worth, TX
1968 MS Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas Austin, TX
1974 PhD Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas Austin, TX
1979 – 1998 Engineer, Martin Marietta Denver, CO
1998 – 2020 Aerospace Engineer, Lockheed Martin Denver, CO