Congress Honors U.S.A.F.A.’s First Graduating Class

Today, the House of Representatives completed consideration of H. Con. Res. 139 to recognize the 50th anniversary of the first graduating class from the United States Air Force Academy and honoring those cadets. With broad, bipartisan support, the concurrent resolution passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 411 to 0.

On July 11, 1955, 306 men entered the new United States Air Force Academy. Four years later, on June 3rd, 1959, 207 cadets graduated. Two-hundred five received commissions in the U.S. Air Force as Second Lieutenants; one received a commission by the U.S. Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant, and one graduate was medically disqualified from being commissioned.

The class included one football Academic All-American, Brock Strom. The top graduate of the class, Lieutenant General (Retired) Bradley C. Hosmer, went on to study at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. Hosmer was the first of 35 USAFA Rhodes Scholars.

“The graduates for the class of 1959 have served this country with distinction and honor. That class included a future astronaut, farmers, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and generals. It is with gratitude and deep respect that I recognize these men and thank them for their service.

 
“The Air Force Academy is a national treasure, as well as a landmark in Colorado Springs. The Class of '59 created lasting traditions and set high standards for the 41,000 cadets who have followed in their steps. I look forward to another half century of extraordinary achievements from our cadets.” Doug Lamborn (CO-05)

The Class of '59 spent its first three years in refurbished World War II barracks at Lowry Air Force Base, Denver, Colorado. Their upperclassmen were stand-ins - Active duty Air Force officers, some who had graduated from other military academies. The cadet uniforms and the campus in Colorado Springs were still works in progress. By graduation day, June 3, 1959, the academy had earned full academic accreditation.

Ninety percent of the graduates entered pilot training and were already certified pilots in fighter and bomber aircraft during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. The remainder became navigators or pursued other Air Force specialties. During the Cold War, they saw action in the Southeast Asia Theater and the Vietnam War, and served in Major Commands of the day including Strategic Air Command, Tactical Air Command, and Military Airlift Command. 

Sixty-Five percent (135/206) served until retirement; many of those went on to second careers in fields including defense, finance, management, education, and religion. Fifteen graduates’ impressive careers culminated in being selected as General Officers with three members achieving the rank of Four Star General.

 
The Air Force selected the Colorado Springs campus because of its isolation, unlimited training opportunities, and majestic beauty. Aviator Charles Lindbergh, a member of the site selection committee, even rented a small plane and confirmed the area was fit for flight training. Additionally, business leaders of Colorado Springs met with local ranchers who owned the land along the Rampart Range north of town. Most agreed to sell if the site were chosen. In tribute to Colorado’s strong military commitment, state leaders offered $1 Million to be put towards the purchase of the present day 18,500 acre Academy campus: an investment that continues to yield immeasurable returns to our nation.