RIP Randy “Duke” Cunningham

[Jarhead0331]

A controversial figure after his military career, but a legendary aviator nevertheless. Fair winds and following seas.

https://theaviationgeekclub.com/legendary-fighter-pilot-and-first-us-ace-of-the-vietnam-war-randy-duke-cunningham-passed-away/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAMc-PZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHuW3xtsZJ6gnRxjU8wTeYf8CPdAVHgdhWr8hp7So8o6orSWCsRF3p84yG47I_aem_rYVVue8O4_eJgEk0Vq7lkg

[Tripoli]

Damn.  He was a legend in the naval aviation community when I was in flight school.  After his conviction in 2005, I felt like a lot of 10 year olds must have felt when  Shoeless Joe Jackson was accused of accepting bribes.  It was that devastating to me. 
With that said,  he was one hell of a pilot.  A good "Dogfights" episode of his May 1972 fight over North Vietnam is here: https://youtu.be/j7_W4VqH2mU?t=3316.  His RIO gives a good account of it here: https://youtu.be/HLw5c9Hq05A.  RIP, Duke.  Fair Winds and Following Seas.

[Toonces]

This guy was a huge influence growing up.