Leonard Jerome Mahony

CAPTAIN LEONARD JEROME MAHONY JR.
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron 10 | O-3

Born in Elmhurst, New York, Leonard Jerome Mahony Jr., known by classmates as “Len”, was appointed to the inaugural class of the United States Air Force Academy. As a member of Cadet Squadron 10, he was part of the historic Class of 1959—the "First Class" to graduate from USAFA. Leonard faithfully served on the Honor Committee during these formative years of the Academy. During his four years, Mahony prepared for a career in military aviation, graduating and receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant on June 5, 1959.

MILITARY CAREER AND AVIATION SPECIALTIES

Following graduation, Lt. Mahony entered Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) from 1959 to 1960, completing primary flight training at Moore Air Base, Texas, and basic pilot training at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where he earned his command pilot wings.

In 1960, he was assigned to the 920th Air Refueling Squadron at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan. Flying the KC-135 Stratotanker, Mahony excelled as an aerial refueling pilot and copilot. Recognized for his exceptional airmanship and precision, he was selected to serve on the squadron’s elite Standardization / Evaluation (Stan/Eval) crew, evaluating fellow aircrews to ensure peak operational readiness during the height of the Cold War.

In 1964, Captain Mahony attended and completed Squadron Officer School (SOS) in residence at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. For his outstanding performance and meritorious service with Strategic Air Command (SAC), he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal.

GRADUATE STUDIES AND FINAL FLIGHT
In 1965, the Air Force selected Captain Mahony for advanced post-graduate studies at the University of Michigan. While pursuing his advanced degree in Michigan, he maintained his flying currency in military aircraft.

Tragically, on November 18, 1966, while flying a T-33 Shooting Star trainer aircraft on a mission near Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Captain Mahony was killed in an aircraft accident. He was 30 years old.

EDUCATION

• B.S., United States Air Force Academy (Class of 1959)
• Undergraduate Pilot Training, Moore AB / Vance AFB (1959–1960)
• Squadron Officer School (SOS), Maxwell AFB (1964)
• Post-Graduate Studies, University of Michigan (1965–1966)

MEDALS & AWARDS

• Air Force Commendation Medal
• National Defense Service Medal

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

• 1959–1960: Student Pilot, Primary & Basic Pilot Training, Moore AB, TX / Vance AFB, OK
• 1960–1965: KC-135 Copilot & Stan/Eval Crewmember, 920th Air Refueling Squadron, Wurtsmith AFB, MI
• 1964: Student, Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL
• 1965–1966: AFIT Student, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI