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; separated 2005) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | 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. He was also a brave Vietnam War veteran and a skilled fighter ace. A member of the Republican Party, Cunningham represented different parts of California in the United States House of Representatives. He served in Congress from 1991 to 2005. Later, he faced serious legal issues related to accepting gifts, which led to his resignation and a period of time in prison.
Before becoming a politician, Cunningham was an officer and pilot in the United States Navy for 20 years. During the Vietnam War, he became one of only two Navy pilots known as "aces." This means he shot down five or more enemy aircraft. After the war, Cunningham became an instructor at the Navy's famous Fighter Weapons School, also known as TOPGUN.
In 1990, Cunningham decided to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. He won against the Democratic leader at the time. He served in the House until 2005. He resigned on November 28, 2005, after admitting to legal issues. He was sentenced to prison and ordered to pay back money. He finished his prison sentence on June 4, 2013. In 2021, he received a special pardon from President Donald Trump.
Contents
Early Life and Education
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 in Missouri called Shelbina. There, his parents owned and managed a variety store.
Cunningham finished high school in Shelbina in 1959. He went to college for one year before transferring to the University of Missouri. He earned a bachelor's degree in education and physical education in 1964. The next year, he earned his master's degree in education. He later also earned an MBA degree.
He worked as a physical education teacher and swimming coach for one year. Two swimmers from his team competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics. They won a gold and a silver medal.
Military Service and Achievements
Cunningham joined the United States Navy in 1967. During his service, Cunningham and his navigator, William P. Driscoll, became the only Navy "aces" in the Vietnam War. 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 enemy planes in one flight, which earned them the Navy Cross.
In their last battle, Cunningham shot down an enemy MiG-17. It was believed to be flown by a famous enemy pilot, but this story was later found to be a myth. After this last shoot-down, Cunningham and Driscoll had to eject from their F-4 jet over water. Their plane was damaged by an enemy missile. Luckily, a Navy helicopter rescued them.
After returning to the U.S. in 1972, Cunningham became an instructor at the U.S. Navy's Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). This school is located in San Diego. Cunningham retired from the Navy as a commander in 1987. He then settled in Del Mar, near San Diego. He became well-known as a TV commentator on naval aircraft.
Political Career in Congress
Cunningham's appearances as a TV commentator led Republican leaders to ask him to run for Congress. He ran in the 44th district of California. This district had been held by a Democrat for eight years. However, the current leader was facing a scandal. Cunningham won the Republican nomination in 1990. He promised to be a congressman people could be proud of. He won by a very small margin.
After the 1990 census, the districts were changed. Cunningham continued to represent parts of San Diego. Even though his district was not as conservative as some others, Cunningham was re-elected six times. He always won with more than 55 percent of the votes.
Cunningham was a member of important committees in the House of Representatives. These included the Appropriations and Intelligence committees. He was seen as a leading Republican expert on national security issues. He also strongly supported education. He used his position to help bring 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 and Efforts
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 efforts to ban shark finning around the world. Because of his work, he was called a "Conservation Hero."
Cunningham also worked with another Congressman to support the "Flag Desecration Amendment." This proposed change to the Constitution would allow Congress to ban the physical damage of the Flag of the United States. This amendment has passed the House many times but has not yet passed the Senate.
Cunningham was also a key person behind the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act. This law was passed in July 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 had met in college and adopted a son together. They divorced in 1973.
In 1973, he met Dan McKinnon, who encouraged him. Cunningham married his second wife, Nancy Jones, in 1974. They had two daughters. They separated in July 2005.
Images for kids
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Cunningham and William P. Driscoll in the cockpit of a McDonnell F-4J Phantom II of Fighter Squadron 96 (VF-96), May 1972.
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"Showtime 100", the F-4J flown for three "kills" by Cunningham and Driscoll
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