U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959 Monument in Dayton, Ohio

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959 Monument as Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 11, 2021

The USAFA Class of 1959 Monument at the National Museum of the United States Air Force (NMUSAF) in Dayton, Ohio

The monument was manufactured by Dodds Memorials based in Dayton, Ohio and was crafted from gray and polished black granite.

The monument consists of an upright stone that features a central shield with engraved memorial information. It is notably topped with a sculpture of an eagle with outstretched wings. The symbolism directly relates to the pioneering status of the class: The Class of 1959 adopted the Eagle, Shield, and Prop and Wings emblem for the Academy side of the class ring—a design adopted for all subsequent USAFA class rings. Their class crest (which is often featured on their memorials) uses the Polaris star with the number "1" at the center, signifying their place as the inaugural graduating class and the "North Star" for all who followed.

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In honor of the first class at

the Air Force Academy

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

As the Class of 1959 fades from

the scene those who follow are

reminded of two legacies

adopted by the first class.

The falcon was selected to be

the Academy mascot as it is

a true symbol of air power

and air supremacy

The Cadet Honor Code was embraced

as the guiding principle for cadets'

lifelong standard of integrity.

It is simple and direct:

"We will not lie, cheat, or steal,

nor tolerate among us those who do."

United States Air Force Academy

1959 Graduates

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959 Monument View at Memorial Park in Ohio as Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 11, 2021

U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959 Monument Names of Class as Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 11, 2021