Recognizing the Service of Charles M. Duke, Jr.

Floor Speech

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Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Charles Moss Duke, Jr. and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 16's mission to the moon.

Charlie was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on October 3, 1935, to Charles and Willie Duke. Raised in Lancaster, South Carolina, he attended Lancaster High School and later transferred and graduated as valedictorian and senior class president from the Admiral Farragut Academy in Florida. He then attended the Naval Academy where he played golf and received a Bachelor of Science degree.

Upon graduation in June 1957, Charlie was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He served three years in Germany as a fighter interceptor pilot and logged over 4,000 hours of flying time. He also attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he received a Master of Science degree in aeronautics and astronautics.

In April 1966, Charlie became one of 19 astronauts selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He went on to serve five different Apollo missions to the moon. In addition to serving as a backup lunar module pilot for Apollo 13 and Apollo 17, Charlie served as the Capsule Communicator for Apollo 11, the first landing on the moon. He also served as the lunar module pilot on Apollo 16, which was the first scientific expedition to inspect, survey, and sample materials from in the Descartes region. During this mission, Charlie became the tenth and youngest person to walk on the moon. Charlie ultimately logged over 265 hours in space. He retired from NASA in December 1975 and went on to enter the United States Air Force Reserves.

After thousands of hours training to go to the moon and finally setting foot on it, Charlie came back to earth with a new goal. With a renewed focus on his family and faith, Charlie became a committed Christian in April of 1978. Shortly after, Charlie and his wife, Dotty, started the Duke Ministry for Christ.

Charlie also became a successful businessman. He owned a thriving Coors Beer distributorship in Texas and later pursued real estate ventures. His subsequent business ventures include serving as the President of Orbit Corporations, working as a consultant for Lockheed Martin, serving as chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, and much more.

Charlie has exhibited determination, courage, and tenacity throughout his life. He has exceeded expectations in public service, highlighted by his receipt of numerous honors and accolades. For example, Charlie was named South Carolina Man of the Year and was inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame in 1973. He has also received numerous honorary degrees, including an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from both the University of South Carolina and Clemson University. Charlie was also inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1997.

On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, it is my most sincere pleasure to recognize Charlie for his extraordinary career. Charlie is a living legend and has made our state and Nation proud. I thank Charlie for his exceptional service.

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