History

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. 

Witness the US Air Force Academy first graduating class of 1959, a cohort of pioneers tasked not only with becoming highly skilled officers

The Day the Academy’s Doors Opened By Lt. Col. (Ret.) Steven A. Simon ’77. Article dedicated to the 91 surviving members USAFA Class of 59

The United States Air Force Academy Class Of 1959 Archived Video by Lookout Mountain Laboratory, 1352d Motion Picture Squadron

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