Duke Cunningham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Duke Cunningham
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California |
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| In office January 3, 1991 – November 28, 2005 |
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| Preceded by | Jim Bates |
| Succeeded by | Brian Bilbray |
| Constituency | 44th district (1991–1993) 51st district (1993–2003) 50th district (2003–2005) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Randall Harold Cunningham
December 8, 1941 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
Susan Albrecht
(m. 1965; div. 1973)Nancy Jones
(m. 1974) |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Truman State University University of Missouri (BA, MA) National University (MBA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1967–1987 |
| Rank |  Commander |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Navy Cross Silver Star (2) Purple Heart Air Medal (15) |
Randall Harold "Duke" Cunningham (born December 8, 1941) is an American former politician and a Vietnam War veteran. He was a famous fighter ace, meaning he shot down five or more enemy aircraft in combat.
Cunningham served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for California's 50th district from 1991 to 2005. He later faced serious legal issues and resigned from Congress. He served time in prison for his actions. In 2021, he received a conditional pardon from President Donald Trump.
Before becoming a politician, Cunningham was an officer and pilot in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. After the Vietnam War, he became an instructor at the U.S. Navy's Fighter Weapons School, also known as TOPGUN. He also commanded Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126) at NAS Miramar, California.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Where Did Duke Cunningham Grow Up?
Cunningham was born in Los Angeles, California, on December 8, 1941. This was just one day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. His father worked as a truck driver.
Around 1945, his family moved to Fresno, where his father bought a gas station. In 1953, they moved to a small town called Shelbina, Missouri. There, his parents bought and ran a variety store.
What Was His Education and Military Path?
Cunningham finished high school in Shelbina, Missouri, in 1959. He went to Kirksville Teacher's College for a year. Then he transferred to the University of Missouri in Columbia.
He earned a bachelor's degree in education and physical education in 1964. The next year, he received his master's degree in education. He worked as a physical education teacher and swimming coach for one year. Two of his swim team members later won medals at the 1968 Olympics.
Military Service and Flying Ace Status
Cunningham joined the United States Navy in 1967. During the Vietnam War, he and his navigator, "Irish" Driscoll, became the only Navy aces. They flew an F-4 Phantom II jet from the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64).
They shot down five enemy aircraft between January and May 1972. This included three kills in one flight, which earned them the Navy Cross.
The "Colonel Toon" Story
In their last battle, Cunningham shot down a MiG-17 jet. It was believed to be flown by a famous North Vietnamese pilot called "Colonel Toon." However, historians later found out that "Colonel Toon" was a made-up story. The real pilot was named Nguyen Van Coc.
After this final shoot-down, Cunningham and Driscoll had to eject from their F-4 jet over water. Luckily, a Navy helicopter rescued them.
Life After Vietnam
After returning to the U.S. in 1972, Cunningham became an instructor at the US Navy's Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). This school is located at Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego.
He also served in other Navy roles, including commanding officer of an adversary squadron. In 1985, Cunningham earned a business degree from National University. He retired from the Navy as a commander in 1987. He then settled in Del Mar, near San Diego.
Cunningham became known as a commentator on CNN. He talked about naval aircraft before the Persian Gulf War.
Political Career in Congress
How Did He Get Into Politics?
Cunningham's appearances on CNN led Republican leaders to ask him to run for Congress. He ran in what was then California's 44th District in San Diego. The district had been held by a Democrat for eight years.
Cunningham won the Republican nomination in 1990. He promised to be a congressman people could be proud of. He won the election by a very small margin.
His Role in Congress
After the 1990 census, the districts were redrawn. Cunningham's district was renumbered as the 51st and later the 50th. He was re-elected six times, always winning with more than 55 percent of the vote.
Cunningham was a member of important committees, including the Appropriations and Intelligence committees. He was seen as a leading expert on national security issues for Republicans.
He also supported education, helping to direct federal money to schools in San Diego. After having surgery for prostate cancer in 1998, he became a strong supporter of early testing for the disease.
Key Laws He Supported
Cunningham was the main supporter of the Shark Finning Prohibition Act. This law made it illegal to remove shark fins in all U.S. waters. He also pushed for a worldwide ban on shark finning. Because of his efforts, the Audubon Society called him a "Conservation Hero."
He also strongly supported the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act. This law was passed in 2004. It allows non-federal law enforcement officers to carry a firearm anywhere in the United States.
Personal Life
Cunningham married Susan Albrecht in 1965. They adopted a son together. They divorced in 1973.
In 1973, he met Dan McKinnon, who encouraged him to improve his life. Cunningham married his second wife, Nancy Jones, in 1974. They had two daughters. They separated in 2005.
Images for kids
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June 1972 – Lieutenant Cunningham (second from left) in a ceremony honoring him and Lieutenant (JG) William P. Driscoll (third from left), the Navy's only Vietnam War air "Aces". On the left is John Warner, then Secretary of the Navy, and on the right is Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, then Chief of Naval Operations.
See also
- List of American federal politicians convicted of crimes
- List of federal political scandals in the United States
