Class Reminiscences

Major General Hank Canterbury shares his Air Force Aviation career and how he qualified as the overall top aviator graduate of the USAFA.

On a crisp October day in 1955, the United States Air Force Academy was just 89 days old, and its first class of cadets had a historic mission: play the inaugural Falcons football game. From a stunning first-play touchdown by the opponent to a heroic comeback victory, this is the story of the men, including future Hall of Famer Brock Strom, who defined the spirit of the Academy's first-ever team.

On July 11, 1955, 306 cadets entered Lowry AFB, launching the first class of the U.S. Air Force Academy. From varied hometowns and humble beginnings, they forged the Honor Code, led boldly, and laid the foundations of military excellence. Seventy years later, we celebrate the vision, grit, and legacy of these Forever First Falcons.

Major General Henry Canterbury soared from USAFA graduate to Thunderbird pilot, flying over 230 airshows and 286 combat missions—shaping Air Force legacy with precision and daring.

The place: A broad mesa on the Eastern Slope of the pine-studded Rampart Range in the Colorado Rockies. This is the United States Air Force Academy.  The occasion: June Week and graduation of the class of 1959. 

USAFA Cadets Buckles and Carr (roommates) pull off the below caper It began when we thought of doing something for our first home varsity football game.  I had been previously to Colorado College and remembered the Four Headed Tigers holding the flagpole prominently on Nevada Blvd. right in front of the campus.  Paint came to mind.  There were no Home Depots on Lowry AFB so we needed ATO help.  Bob Buckles knew Bob Hess, so we sought help.  The delivery arrived with two-gallo

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959 Polaris Yearbook