Fifty for 150: First cadets graduate from U.S. Air Force Academy in 1959

Over 200 cadets made up the first graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and completed their work on June 3, 1959. “With a thundering shout, the 207 cadets hurled their white caps into the air as Brig. Gen. Henry R. Sullivan, academy commandant, stepped to the microphone onstage in the […]

By: Sara Wilson

Outlets: Colorado Newsline

Published: July 2, 2026

Words: 352

Last Updated: 3 weeks ago

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Over 200 cadets made up the first graduating class at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and completed their work on June 3, 1959.

This story is part of Colorado at 150. Each Fifty for 150 story focuses on an event that helped define Colorado over 150 years of statehood. Newsline is publishing one Fifty for 150 story every weekday in reverse chronological order until the sesquicentennial, Aug. …

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