USAFA July 11, 1955: The Day Their Journey Took Flight

Celebrating 70 Years of the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

July 11, 1955 – July 11, 2025

On this day seventy years ago, on the morning of July 11, 1955, 306 civilians passed through the gates of Lowry Air Force Base near Denver, Colorado, and took the first steps into a newly imagined future—as cadets of the United States Air Force Academy’s first class.

Selected from a pool of nearly 60,000 applicants, these young men began a journey that would not only shape their own futures—but the very identity of the Academy itself.

At six o’clock that morning, they signed in, stood in formation, and took their seats for the Academy’s initial dedication ceremonies. They were now part of the United States Air Force—and the eyes of generals, dignitaries, and future cadets were watching. As they listened to Air Force Chief of Staff General Nathan Twining outline the weight and wonder of their responsibilities, most could only dimly sense the magnitude of what was beginning. They became the first cadets, the "First Falcons", of a brand-new Air Force Academy—a venture rooted in vision and possibility. In the decades that followed, their journey helped shape an enduring legacy. This first class of 1959 would invest in the classes to follow.

A Vision Takes Wing: The Founding of USAFA

The creation of the Academy was rooted in long-held aspirations from aviation leaders who believed in the power of dedicated officer education. Visionaries like General Henry “Hap” Arnold, General Carl Spaatz, General Hoyt Vandenberg, and General Billy Mitchell worked for decades to bring forth this institution.

In 1954, their efforts culminated in the Academy’s formal authorization by Congress. Colorado Springs was selected as its permanent home, but initial classes would begin at Lowry AFB, where converted barracks and borrowed buildings served as the first classrooms. Cadets lived and trained with determination and modest means—laying the groundwork for a campus and culture still thriving today. Their journey reflected resolve, resilience, and quiet leadership—hallmarks of the class then and now.

• 1947: The U.S. Air Force becomes a separate branch under the National Security Act.

• 1949: Secretary of Defense James Forrestal commissions a board—chaired by Dwight D. Eisenhower—to study the need for a dedicated Air Force academy.

• April 1, 1954: President Eisenhower signs legislation establishing the U.S. Air Force Academy.

• June 24, 1954: Colorado Springs is selected as the permanent site after a nationwide search.

• July 11, 1955: The first class is sworn in at Lowry AFB, with Lt. Gen. Hubert R. Harmon serving as the Academy’s first Superintendent.

Presiding over this bold new chapter was Lieutenant General Hubert R. Harmon, recalled from retirement to serve as the Academy’s first Superintendent. His influence shaped everything—from curriculum and campus planning to cadet leadership philosophy.

General Hubert Harmon on Dedication Day

General Harmon's quiet strength and unwavering resolve became a symbol of what the Academy stood for: honor, service, and excellence.

Who Were These First Cadets?

"What kind of young men are these? Only a few years removed from high school, from great cities, farms, villages, from the poor and from the rich, from families who crossed the oceans less than a generation ago and from families whose ancestry can be traced back to Colonial days." -from the 1959 promotional video linked below.

They arrived from every corner of the country—bringing regional accents, unique stories, and quiet grit. Some were sons of decorated officers. Others were raised in humble homes or immigrant communities. What they shared was the drive to serve, the will to lead, and the heart to rise to the moment. Regardless of whether coming from humble beginnings, they became astronauts, generals, CEOs, engineers, and educators. They flew combat missions, led commands, and shaped policy. Their life stories prove that excellence isn’t inherited—it’s shaped by shared values, service, and perseverance.

Milestone “Firsts” of the Class of 1959

• First class to adopt the Cadet Honor Code

• First to select the Falcon as the Academy mascot

• First to march in the opening ceremonies, with the Thunderbirds overhead

• First USAFA graduate to fly with the Thunderbirds: Henry “Hank” Canterbury

• First USAFA graduate to fly in space: Karol Bobko

• First USAFA graduate to become a four-star general: Hansford T. Johnson

• First USAFA graduate to serve as Superintendent: Bradley Hosmer

• First USAFA graduate to serve as Commandant of Cadets: Robert Beckel

• First USAFA graduate to shoot down a MiG in combat: Robert E. Blake

The journey of these cadets helped shape the rhythm and values of an institution still in its infancy. Their four years included:

• Academic study in science, engineering, and humanities

• Professional military training across Air Force, Army, and Navy missions

• Field trips to military installations and exposure to aerospace innovation

• Immersive leadership duties within the Cadet Wing

They faced rigorous physical training, tight discipline, and a deepening sense of responsibility. And they codified what it meant to be a cadet—most notably by creating the Honor Code still used at USAFA today:

"We will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate among us anyone who does."

The value of personal integrity became the foundation on which all future leadership was built.

The Move to Colorado Springs and the Rise of Tradition

In August 1958, with construction still underway, the Cadet Wing transferred to its permanent home at Colorado Springs. They brought with them the customs, leadership practices, and expectations forged at Lowry—and began what is now a seven-decade tradition of excellence.

As upperclassmen, members of the Class of ’59 assumed full leadership of the Cadet Wing, developing systems and standards that would guide thousands of future cadets.

Leadership and Service

Their accomplishments spanned battlefields, boardrooms, and beyond. These men flew during the Cuban Missile Crisis, served in Vietnam, earned well over a thousand Air Medals and more than 170 Distinguished Flying Crosses. But their greatest legacy is not the sum of their accolades—it is the Academy itself, and the traditions, integrity, and leadership they helped foster.

Forever First

Today, we honor the 70th birthday of the Class of 1959—not just the day they arrived, but the day the Academy truly began. We reflect not only on a date but on a journey—one shaped by character, sacrifice, and quiet purpose. The men of the Class of 1959 didn’t seek the spotlight. They simply sought to serve—and in doing so, helped illuminate the path for thousands who followed.

To the U.S. Air Force Academy and its First Class—thank you for seventy years of service, for your stewardship, and soaring vision.

To the Forever First Class, we salute you.

To the Academy, we offer our gratitude.

And to the skies, we look up—knowing you were the first to rise