"Dirty
Dozen" 1958
The patch, an isosceles triangle of sky blue
bordered in blue, is dominated by a black and white Polaris
star. Behind the star, a jet plane takes off into the blue
skies. The airfield below is a checkered design with black and
silver squares in the foreground, blue and black squares in the
second row, gold and black squares in the third row, and red and
black going on into the distance. Printed in blue across the
bottom of the triangle on a silver back is "12th Squadron."
The Polaris provides a never-failing light to guide cadets on
their flight through life. It also serves as a reminder that no
goal in life is too high to attain. The aircraft in the
background signifies the profession cadets have chosen; its
position in flight symbolizes the beginning of their mission to
defend and protect their country. The four colors represent the
four classes. The checkerboard pattern is the traditional symbol
of the original squadron sponsors, the 401st Tactical Fighter
Wing.
This, the original patch, was designed by William R. Povilus,
class of 1963. Color variations of the patch may exist.
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
