USAFA Class Histories

The original Air Force Academy crest (1955-1963): Within the shield, the prop and wings, long a symbol and badge of Air Force aviation, are shown with a blue sky background above the clouds. The eagle spreads its wings above the shield while perched on a cloud bank and ready to soar ever higher. The 13 stars represent the 13 original colonies.

The Air Force Academy crest; created by Brig Gen Robert F. McDermott, Dean, in 1963: The emblem is symbolic of the Air Force Academy. Against a shield divided horizontally into three sections, white representing clouds, brilliant blue representing sky, and black indicating outer space, two geometric forms (symbolic of the upward motion of flight and the dual mission of Educational Development and Training for Military Leadership) point upward to the North Star symbol which represents the ultimate achievement.