On April 2, 1961, a group of young
men came together at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas for the
purpose of attending Officer Candidate School. This group of approximately
156 men would undergo intense training over the next six months. This
training would consist of academic, physical and military disciplines. There
would be 825 academic hours and 726 nonacademic hours. It has been estimated
that the academic portion of this six-month training is equivalent to two
years of Junior College. At the end of the day on Sept. 22, 1961, only 114
would have survived the test and graduate to receive commissions as Second
Lieutenants in the United States Air Force. These 114 Second Lieutenants
would be forever known as
OCS Class 62A.
These Web Pages are dedicated to those 114 graduates
of Officer Candidate School, Class 62A. These men would be dispersed
throughout the United States Air Force all over the world. They would
proudly serve and lead many and varied Air Force Units. The members of 62A
were among some of the most dedicated, qualified and highly motivated
officers to serve their country.
This six months' training in 1961 not only produced a
very high quality Air Force Officer, but also instilled camaraderie among
this group of men that would last a lifetime. This is evidenced by the
comments of the individuals included in these pages after more than 41 years
have passed.
The purpose of this Web Site is to collect and
preserve all information, both oral and written that pertains to the members
of the United States Air Force, Officer Candidate School, Class 62A.
Although the focus is on Class 62A, participation of other OCS Classes is
welcomed.
It is hoped that these pages will reflect the
dedication and spirit of a very small group of elite men who with
distinction, and personal sacrifice, served their country, in peace and war,
to the utmost in military standards and traditions. We trust that when
future generations read these pages they will be able to relate that because
of men and women like those in 62A, we enjoy the most "FREEDOM" on earth. |