At its core, the U.S. Air Force Academy is about one thing – combat!  

Here, tucked behind the B-52 just west of the North Gate, is a tribute to that: the Air Warrior Combat Memorial. The memorial recognizes and celebrates those who have flown and fought in our nation’s wars or supported those who have. It features walls with fourteen aluminum plaques that depict a century of aerial warfare, to include Vietnam, in which the nearby B-52 participated. 

In the center of the plaza is a bronze replica of an F-4 Phantom aircraft and a statue of Brigadier General Robin Olds, the Academy Commandant of Cadets from December 1967 until January 1971. 

The two sculptures were the work of Jim Nance, Class of ’71, whose output includes several pieces at the Southeast Asia Pavilion on the Heritage Trail near Doolittle Hall. The memorial is the brainchild of the Class of ’71, which conceived, designed and largely funded the $1.4 million project, with funding assistance from the Classes of ’63 and ’69. The Air Force Academy Foundation managed the project. 

The Air Warrior Combat Memorial was dedicated on October first, 2021, during the Class of ’71’s 50-year reunion.