"Mach
One" 1955
The emblem in the shape of a spearhead and bordered in black,
has two colored fields, the upper green and the lower black. A
black diagonal strip edged in white separates the fields. A
black Maltese cross trimmed in white is on the green field and a
gold griffin is on the black field. "First Takes Care of its
Own" is written in black letters on a gold scroll beneath the
black field.
The griffin, a creature in Greek mythology, seeks hidden
treasure while protecting its own treasure from intruders. The
griffin symbolizes the search for the treasure from intruders.
The griffin symbolizes the search for the treasure of knowledge
in areas yet unknown and unexplored. The Maltese Cross, awarded
to the bravest and most courageous military men, indicates a
devotion to duty and a dedication to success. The cross,
positioned above the black diagonal strip, indicates a higher
ideal in life to which one should strive.
The emblem is fashioned after the famous 1st Fighter Wing,
the original squadron sponsor. The colors green, gold and black,
the Maltese Cross and the diagonal strip are similar to the 1st
Fighter Wing emblem.
This is the original Cadet Squadron One patch.
Information gathered for the page from
"Squadron Insignia of the United States Air Force Academy" by P.
Michael Sheridan, Library of Congress Catalog Number: 90-62369
