B. Gen. Charles M. Duke, Jr. (Ret.)
Missions: Apollo 16

Duke was one of 19 astronauts selected by NASA in April 1966. He served as the backup Lunar Module Pilot for the Apollo 13 mission.

He served as Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 16, April 16-27, 1972. He was accompanied on the fifth manned lunar mission by John W. Young (Spacecraft Commander) and Thomas K. Mattingly, II (Command Module Pilot). Apollo 16 was the first scientific expedition to inspect, survey and sample materials and surface features in the Descartes region of the rugged lunar highlands. Duke and Young commenced their lunar surface stay of 71 hours and 14 minutes by maneuvering the Lunar Module Orion to a landing on the relatively smooth Cayley Plains. In three subsequent excursions onto the lunar surface, they each logged 20 hours and 15 minutes in extra-vehicular activities (EVA) involving the emplacement and activation of scientific equipment and experiments, the collection of nearly 213 pounds of rock and soil samples, and the evaluation and use of Rover-2 over the roughest and rockiest surface yet encountered on the moon. Other Apollo 16 achievements include: largest payload placed in lunar orbit (79,109 pounds); first cosmic ray detector deployed on lunar surface; first lunar observatory with the far ultraviolet camera; and longest inflight EVA from a command module during transearth coast (1 hour and 13 minutes). Apollo 16 concluded with a Pacific splashdown and subsequent recovery by the USS Ticonderoga.

With the completion of his first space flight, General Duke has logged 265 hours and 51 minutes in space, which includes 21 hours and 28 minutes in extravehicular activities.

Duke also served as the backup lunar module pilot for Apollo 17.

In December 1975, Duke retired from NASA to enter private business in San Antonio. He entered the USAF Reserves in 1975 and served as Staff Engineer AFSC and Mobilization Augmentee to Commander AF Basic Military Training Center and to Commander USAF Recruiting Service. He was promoted to Brigadier general in 1979 and retired in June, 1986.

From January 1976 - March 1978, Duke was President of the Orbit Corporation. From March 1978 - October 1979, he was a partner in Campbell - Duke investments. From October 1979 to the present, he has been the owner of Duke Investments, and from January 1987 to present, he has been President of Charlie Duke Enterprises, Inc.

From January 1987 to the present, he has been the Director of The Robbins Company. From November 1990 to the present, he has been the Chairman of Texcor Industries, Inc. From May 1989 to the present, he has been the Directory of the Young Astronaut Council. From January 1989 to the present, he was Chairman of Duke Resources, Inc., and from October 1984 to January 1991 he was Advisory Director to Victoria Bank & Trust, Cibolo, Texas.

Duke is an active Christian Lay Witness who has spoken at numerous churches and other
gatherings. He is President of Duke Ministry for Christ.