Moon Mission: Apollo 16
Role: Lunar Module Pilot
Brief Bio: Charles Moss Duke Jr., born on October 3, 1935, is a former astronaut, USAF officer, and test pilot who became the tenth and youngest person to walk on the Moon during Apollo 16 in 1972 at age 36. A 1957 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he joined the USAF and later was selected for NASA's fifth astronaut group in 1966.
Did you know: During the Apollo 16 mission, Charles Duke brought two audio cassette tapes of country music, featuring personalized recordings from artists like Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, and Buck Owens, to play during the mission.
Afterward: After retiring from NASA on January 1, 1976, Duke entered the Air Force Reserve, was promoted to brigadier general in 1979, and retired in June 1986. He later engaged in business ventures, including a Coors distributorship and real estate, and became active in Christian ministry.
Key Statements: "I'm proud to be an American, I'll tell you. What a program and what a place and what an experience."
