From Fighter Pilot to the Youngest Man to Walk on the Moon | Apollo 16 | Charlie Duke
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- Опубліковано 24 тра 2024
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Upon graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1957, Charles Duke Jr. joined the United State Air Force. In 1958, he completed advanced training in F-86L aircraft at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, where he was a distinguished graduate. Duke then served three years at Ramstein Air Base in Germany as a fighter interceptor pilot with the 526th Fighter Interceptor Squadron.
In 1965, Duke graduated from the Aerospace Research Pilot School, where he stayed on to serve as an instructor. He taught control systems and flying in the F-101, F-104, and T-33 aircraft.
In April 1966, Duke was selected, along with 18 other astronauts, by NASA for Astronaut Group Five.
In 1969, Due to his familiarity with the Lunar Module, Duke was asked to serve as CAPCOM for the Apollo 10 mission. He reprised the same role for the historic Apollo 11 moon landing and was the first voice to speak to Neil Armstrong as he stepped foot on the moon.
On April 21, 1972 Duke got his chance to go into space and step foot on the moon serving as the lunar module pilot for the Apollo 16 mission. Apollo 16 was the first scientific expedition to inspect, survey, and sample materials in the Descartes region of the Moon.
Duke retired from the Astronaut program in December 1975. He entered the Air Force Reserve and was promoted to Brigadier General in 1979. He retired in 1986.
He has logged 4,147 hours of flying time, including 3,632 hours in jet aircraft. He has also logged 265 hours in space and over 21 hours of extravehicular activity.
Interview recorded on May 28, 2023
Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Editor - Daniel Taksas
Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
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At my 70+ these guys are still enormous heroes to me.
@@UtahGoinBIGfeel better? 😅
@@UtahGoinBIGtell me professor, what part of physics do you understand that other don’t? Oh wait you’re a flat earther aren’t you!😂
@@RobertLW That's not an argument. You are both jerks.
Utah maybe going big, but your brain going small.
Several years ago Charlie Duke had climbed Mt.LeConte (Smokey Mountain National Park) and he spent the night in one of the many cabins on LeConte. It was a full moon and a beautiful summer night. Several of those spending the night had gathered around a large porch with someone playing a guitar. Someone mentioned how bright the moon looked that evening when Charlie Duke started talking about going to the moon! It was incredible listening to his story as we all sat under the moon that great night!
....and not a word of it true.
@@KK96303 ,
What's your proof none of it was true?
. @KK96303 I'm curious why a flat Earther is even here commenting, unless trolling gives you a hardon.
@@David_in_Thailand Clearly, your ignorance doesn't require any introduction.
@@KK96303 yes, clearly. We all know who's the idiot in the comments.
I have the great honor to know General Duke personally. What a man and what a testimony!
Then you don't know him like you think you do.
@@KK96303 I feel sorry for you, must be hard always being a loser.
@@KK96303 And YOU know him SO WELL.
@craigcorson3036 ...never said I did,...I know he didn't go to the moon.
What a down to earth gentleman. To be so humble after being one of 12 people to walk on the Moon is truly the sign of a great human being. My most respectful salute to you General!
Having walked on the moon should be life changing and humbling I would think.
@ButterfatFarms - life changing, maybe, humbling, not so much. That could come from storytelling.
I see what you did there.
They're all like that, except Buzz, who's an @$$. 😂 I had the pleasure of meeting almost all the ones still alive 2004-2005, when I worked for a NASA souvenir store where we got them to come do signings, (before I graduated and worked for NASA proper). Met 4 of the Mercury 7, Neil Armstrong (no longer signing but came to town for conference), Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, Alan Bean, Charlie Duke, etc. That are all very humble, very sweet. They absolutely know they're considered cool, but they're still not quite sure why. "I was just doing my job. How did I get such an amazing job??..." Amazing group of men.
In ur imagination. Wake up
He's about the age of my father, who woke me up in the middle of the night (in Europe it was) to watch the landing of Apollo 11 live on black-and-white TV. I was not even in school then.
Now only a few of these guys are left to tell the tale, good to hear them. Heroes, all.
I never get tired of hearing the lunar astronauts describe their experience. I'm sure Mr. Duke has had to answer these questions a thousand times but he shares his answers as if it's the first. Just wonderful. Thank you for your skills, service, and bravery Mr. Duke. The photograph you took of your family's photo on the moon is still one of my favorite images Nasa shares. To me, it made the astronauts more human. Salute!
He is also a very imaginative and creative man. A true story teller.
Personally, I prefer love stories. I do like science fiction as long as It's not too political and it doesn't take itself too seriously.
I do love listening to real scientists. But government propaganda not so much. We have done some amazing things in space. Have you seen the landings on comets and asteroids? There's also been some wonderful exploration of saturn jupiter and pluto. If you can filter out the party line, black hole dark energy nonsense.
@@rawmilkmike You obviously think that Kaysing, Sibrel, and Dubay are real scientists rather than con men.
@@rawmilkmike As if you could tell what science is. You sound like you flunked kindergarden.
Are you sure you weren't listening or watching a Luner Toones cartoon about going to the moon?😂
That's Brigadier General Duke, thank you very much. Mister...pfft...
Im from Sweden. Had the Great opportunity to actually meet both Charlie Duke, Buzz Aldrin and Walt Cunningham and joining them for a full night gala dinner at the Ronald Reagan presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA, july 2019, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Apollo XI moonlanding 1969. Wonderful evening to eat dinner under the retired Air Force One, and having the actor Gary Sinise (Apollo 13, Forrest Gump) as our host, and Gloria Gaynor singing the National anthem. Just in the small crowded audience among us there were 12 spaceshuttle astronauts, whom together had flown more than 30 missions in space.
Just wonderful!! Thanks a lot to my Great hereos and godspeed!
HI, I met him once, nice guy.
I took my young daughter to hear him speak, we had a book called Space Walks which had a picture of him next to a giant crater with the moon buggy in the background which he graciously signed and shook my daughters hand.
I’ll never forget it.🚀🇺🇸
What a privilege to hear his story! A Wonderful American hero!
Lol
A true privilege. An amazing human being!
@@fredsilvers1427Right you are, we're laughing really loudly at you, bozo.
@@fredsilvers1427 good contribution there, troll.
@@jeffoats2826 A good contribution to a good Story.
I met BG Duke at the EAA Fly Inn at Oshkosh, WI. in 1994 (The 25th Anniversary of the first lunar landing). It was an honor to meet Mr. Duke and I found him to be friendly, modest, and fascinating. Thanks for a great interview with General Duke, and thanks for your service, BG Duke.
Talk about having accomplished a life time of honor 🎖 to be a person who had made history in our country how proud and thankful i am to be an American. I can watch these videos all day long I am so into hearing these amazing stories about history and who made them. I thank you for your service and going to the moon. Your truly a hero.
I feel sorry for the people that think the moon landings were a hoax. I feel tremendous joy just listening to the experience that Astronaut Duke described. These are truly remarkable Americans that risk their lives to make these moon missions happen. I can't say thank you enough.
I’m from the 80’s and 90’s Naval Aviation my first CO’s were all Vietnam F-4 guys.
Myself I’m from the F-14 community and what Mr Duke has accomplished was on my bucket list since 3rd grade in the early 70’s when he did it..
I’ve met many of the 12 who walked on the moon, all Navy guys.
We were at KSC for the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11 and Charlie Duke was one of the speakers. Absolute kudos to him, he was the the first (if not the only) speaker to thank all the NASA and various contractors / subcontractors for their work. It was one of those "you built it, we just flew it" type moments. In a world of egos, he seemed to be a very humble man who put others first.
Glad to hear Gen Duke mention Charlie Bassett who was killed in training for Gemini 9. Bassett was highly regarded and may well have walked on the moon had he survived.
I love watching footage from Apollo 16, and listening to it, because it is obvious that General Duke is having an absolute blast😄 Almost to a point where his commander, John Young, has to set him straight a little😂
"Charlieeeee…!!🤦🏻♂️" 😂
I worked on Apollo 16 and 17 back in the 70's at Patrick AFB, Florida. Saw him fly in to launch on apollo 16
I was one of the little kids watching. I have never lost my sense of awe from the achievement of people like Charlie Duke and the other apollo engineers. Inspirational
Me too 👍
The never left orbit
@@Ryan-ix2zx You never left kindergarten
I used to have a sense of awe watching Batman and Thunderbirds too but I soon learned they were fiction. It took me another 30 years to question the landings and I feel ashamed that I swallowed the lie for so long.
@@paulyflyer8154da
Absolute hero. So wonderful to hear what he had to say. Thank you.
I'm not giving some brainwashed weirdo his name....
😂😂😂😂😂you are funny
@@Joe-ff1oh and you are a nobody. a troll. no one cares about you but you.
How could one ever tire of listening to these men? Wonderful interview. Thank you so much to everyone who made it happen.
They are full of shite
An absolute honor to film this interview! Talk about goosebumps. Simply to be in the room listening to these accounts is a privilege.
People who lie fixate on irrelevant details however it gives you a base behavioural perspective and this is how we know he’s lying.
A real American hero! What a joyful human you can just feel the excitement of being on the moon!
The moon landing was a big part of my life when I was a kid. Even to this day I never tire of watch things about Apollo missions. All our astronauts from back then are national treasures and it is sad we are slowly losing them. They were extremely intelligent and highly skilled men.
I've heard Charlie Duke mention it before and I've always loved that little detail about the launch - that Duke's heart rate was 144 and John Young's was 70. Young was really superhuman and probably the greatest of these early astronauts. Two Gemini missions, two Apollos and two Shuttle flights including being Commander of the first.
Wow, what a thrill to see this distinguished gentleman talk about his Apollo experiences!
Charlie is one of the more colorful characters among the astronaut corps from that time, and it's always a pleasure to hear him recount his experiences. 👍👍
They never went to the moon
If cause you was talking replying back straight away with out a delay 😂😂😂😂
Ya the high jump , that was funny jumping on a trampoline could not see them leave the surface 😂😂😂😂😂
Mr. Duke and Mr. Collins have always had the best story telling skills that leave you wanting to hear more.
Can't forget Gene Cernan and Al Bean.
Great Story Tellers.
Love Charlie Duke, such a legend.
Greatest achievement in human history! Thank you General!
What about Biden curing cancer
@@frankflstfBiden, in spite of amazing accomplishments (in his mind), couldn’t carry this guy’s jock strap.
Greatest Hoax in Human History.
@@oldguyofarizona8602he’d sniff it but
Al Gore invented the internet...
I saw this man speak about his adventures, his life and his faith at a church in San Marcos TX. He was amazing and very kind.
A great American we should all be proud of.
I’m selling a bridge in Brooklyn if you’re interested. Beachfront property in Oklahoma too.
500,000 people worked on Apollo. Don’t you think that if just 1 person had evidence it was fake they would have shared it with the USSR and the media?
Didn't he refuse to swear on the bible that he went?
@@neilarmstrongsson795no. That's how little you know about the subject....
@@iniquity123
Research it. There was a number of astronauts who refused to swear on the bible that they really went there, my father was one of them.
Great work documenting this spectacular guy and event. Thank you very much for sharing!
Historic interview with a brave hero. Thank you.
What a privilege to hear his story! A Wonderful American hero!. Thank you General Duke for your service, and for sharing your story!!.
Thank you General Duke for your service, and for sharing your story!!
Nice story.
I remember the first landing very well.
We were with friends and when the command module 'went quite ' orbiting the dark side of the moon , we were praying for the guy on his own .
We were just about holding our collective breaths until he made his first transmission on rounding the moon.
Man, you are amazing, especially considering the the technology of the time.....
This is Charlie Duke, it was Micheal Collins who was in the command module in Apollo 11.
However Charlie Duke was the Cap Com at Huston Control during the Apollo 11 mission, he's the one who talked to the astronauts on the mission from Houston Control, it's his voice you hear say "Roger Eagle we copy you down, you got a bunch of guys down here about to turn blue, we can start breathing again".
Duke landed on the moon on Apollo 16 in 1972, he was the Lunar Module Pilot on that mission.
Nothing wrong with the tecnology in 1969-1972. The mechanical systems are the same today, they had computers too. It was not the Stone Age.
American people are so naive 😂😂😂😂😂
@@dukecraig2402
He wasn't saying duke was part of the crew on the first 'landing'.
He was just referencing apollo 11, and his memories of it.
@@neilarmstrongsson795
Well considering who's in the video it sure doesn't read like that.
I'd have mentioned Collins had I written that so it wouldn't seem like that's who I thought the video was about.
For those who think we faked it. Arguing with intelligent people is hard. Arguing with stupid people is impossible.
Love these lines....i will use it whenever a stupid person argue with me 🤣
Ditto.😊
It was strange, I'm Russian and I once argued an American about the Apolo missions, he was absolutely convinced that they were all faked and filmed in the studio, I tried to explain to him that to fake a project in which several hundred thousand people were involved is not exactly possible, oh eah, the audio and video signal of that mission was received not only by NASA but by the Soviet space agency as well, so Soviets were able to confirm it on their end.
Two topics are infinite :
The Universe and Human stupidity… And i have my doubt in the Universe infinty…
- Albert Einstein
@@MilitaryArmamentsCompany also, if it was faked the Soviets would have exposed it immediately. Even today, the Russians would like nothing better but to expose it now technology has increased.
I remember every space launch! Alan Shepard was my hero when I was a kid, my father and I watched him launch into space, the first American to do so, on May 5th, 1961 through a pair of binoculars that my father and I bought at Sears Roebuck so we could watch Alan B. Shepard launch into space! I have them to this day! Every time I see, touch, pick them up and look through them I remember that day so long ago! It was AWESOME hearing Charlie Duke speak! All of those astronauts were my heros but Alan Shepard was top of them all, I remember him walking on the moon too!
I read Neal Thompson's book, Light This Candle and it was a bit surprising to find out that Shepard was having issues when he went to flight school. Almost to the point of being washed out. He took some extra lessons with a non-military flight instructor to help him get on track and of course would eventually become an excellent naval aviator. He had the best trap record for landing the Corsair during nightime missions as well as foul weather landiongs. That same perseverance would be used to get him back into the Apollo crew rotation.
Because of men like this we've had such incredible advances in space exploration today. We'll only go further and further. ❤ Mars is next!
First try to leave the van Allen belt 😂😂😂😂
@Joe-ff1oh it's "go through" the Van Allen belts, not "leave" you fool.
@@Joe-ff1oh. Maybe the Earth is flat too Joe?
@@QatarVegan I am democrat don’t insult my party 🙏
@@Joe-ff1ohEasy you just fly through the thinner part , you didn't know about the thinner parts did you or like an ignorant flerf chose to ignore it because it doesn't fit in with your chosen fantasy
AVC is not only one of the best youtube channels, it's one of the best channels of all time. It is now what the History Channel originally wanted to be, but never could be. Bravo Zulu.
We strive for greatness, thank you for your kind words!
I attended Admiral Farragut Academy in Florida and administrators took the entire school to the Cape to watch Apollo 16's lift-off! What a fantastic memory that is for me these decades later. I also took a number of very crappy pictures of the launch. As Duke mentioned, he is a graduate of Farragut and the school is one of the few private places in the world with a piece of the moon in its museum, a gift from Charlie Duke!
What an extraordinary man. And what a life !
What a great lie his had.
What an absolutely amazing interview! I'm riveted by Brigadier General Charles Duke's account of this mission. I grew up watching all of the NASA launches from Mercury, Gemini to Apollo. I was 11 years old when Neil Armstrong flew Apollo 11 and this is the first time I heard about him flying 5 miles (NM?) to find a better landing site! Wow, wow, wow. I hope to hear more interviews from Brigadier General Charles Duke about anything NASA does. The most amazing adventure known the humankind! --Tom
Thank you. I watched these men on the TV as boy, they were heroes to me.
Dad was a Mercury, Gemini, Apollo engineer so I grew up on the Space Coast , I can’t think of any better time or place to live.
Who ever was on the Moon,for me is….incredibly brave people!
So far from Earth…so far from any kind of help…?!!!!
My respect….💕
Just an excellent interview. Thank you for this, and thank you Gen. Duke.
Thank you for your contribution big brother Duke.
Met Duke in Huntsville several years ago, super humble and down to Earth Astronaut!
There's an incredibly detailed documentary on the Apollo 16 mission here on YT. Just search it out on the channel "homemade documentaries." No other than Charles Duke himself has the top comment telling the creator how much he enjoyed it.
Agreed! He not only covers 16 but all the Apollo programs. Best Apollo content on the internet
Anyone currently unfamiliar with Homemade Documentaries should be forewarned they're about to lose a lot of hours watching every video.
@@MrOttman001 Homemade Documentaries is in a whole 'nother level above anything else.
It's crazy I live in St. Pete fl and down the road from admiral Farragut where he trained awesome to know I get to walk where this great fellow American did thank u for ur service much appreciation and respect God bless
What a fantastic interview. General Duke, a MASSIVE thank you for all that you & NASA accomplished. The Apollo series inspired me to go into science & now I'm a Dr. of science. I cannot give you & NASA a big enough THANK YOU.
His memory is amazing
I've had the privilege of meeting this gentleman several times. You could not meet a more respectful, kind and humble person. He is truly a remarkable man. And this guy is one of the most accomplished people who's ever walked the face of the earth. Thank you for posting this and sharing it with everyone.
Oh my this is an amazing interview. This man was smiling while reminiscing his adventure. Flying is in my blood and I couldn't stop smiling myself and feeling more envious of anyone I have ever seen. I shed a tear of joy for him and jealousy for myself
im jealous of that big fat paycheck.
An incredible true American hero!!! His involvement in the NASA program is truly remarkable. From being CapCom on Apollo 11 when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon to him being one of 12 people to walk on the moon. Just Incredible!!!!
What a character and a gentleman. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting and shaking General Duke's hand. Thanks for the great interview.
I recommend going to Florida and touring Cape Canaveral. Without question it will make you proud of what the USA has accomplished.
Yeah, been 3 times and I'm British.
Great to see. Thanks for posting. Always really liked Charlie Duke. I think he went with the right attitude and still looks back with wonder. Good luck to him.
I love you, Charlie Duke...thank you for all those memories. And to the tech crew great job with Lighting and cam matching...well done...audio too
It's so valuable to have taken the time to hear from the people who accomplished these historical acts while we still have them with us .
I met Charlie Duke I believe in 2012. Nice guy. National treasure. Thank you for putting this video together and it is a Historical artifact that generations will enjoy.
I SALUTE YOU CHARLIE DUKE ! ! ! YOU HAVE GLIMPSED INTO A WORLD MOST OF US WILL NEVER GET TO SEE BUT ARE INSPIRED AND INTRIGUED WITH YOUR TESTIMONY ! ! !👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Absolute legend, great personality and good guy, what a privilege to hear his story
What an amazing interview! An absolute treat to listen to this wonderful American hero. ❤💯
What a thing,to be told to go to sleep and when you finally wake up your sitting on the moons surface! I can’t even imagine what that must have been like? That second or so when you wake up must have felt like a dream and then to know that your about to suit up and go walk out on the surface!
Must have been a sound sleep to transition from 22000 mph horizontal to vertical drop with zero lateral straffe takes a lot of G force . Yes a sound sleep.
15:15 The climax of this awesome video .. when a man's world flips upside down. It was that moment when Charles realized the universe was much smaller than he expected. It's quite cozy really .. our solar system in the midst of a vast black void.
Such a humble man and great astronaut, thank you for this interview. < 3
87 and sharp as a tack. Can’t get enough of listening to Mr Duke. Thanks for this interview!!
A true American hero. We salute you Charlie Duke.
An incredible man and American!
100% agree. I love hearing the stories of these gentlemen.
From the United Sates OF the American Continent.
@christophercook723 North America! You do know that without Canada,they couldn't have landed because we built the landing legs!for your information,plus many of of the engineers were Canadian,try doing more research Eh 🇨🇦
@@derekhorlock1976 Columbus was before them.
@@derekhorlock1976 Research about what? I was just msk8nh the point that Smerica is a Comtiiment. Canadians are Americans. The word of is overlooked by the ignorant.
One of the absolute stars of my childhood! Still is!🖖🏻
Wonderful interview, thank you
What an enjoyable interview, thank you so much!!
You took us with you. And we enjoyed the ride.
I have always loved the moon, its amazing to hear a first hand description of the experience from one of the people who have visited it
Been lucky to meet this awesome guy and hear his stories
What an awesome individual. Great to hear these details.
Charlie Duke is probably the first astronaut describing journey to the Moon in such a human way, including emotions accompanying being there. That's awesome.
Al Bean was always descriptive of his trip. I met him once. He was really quite a guy. I also met Charlie a few years ago.
@@peterginsburg2465 Nice. I wish the interview was longer.
thanks Duke for your service and such a super mission to the Moon
Brilliant video. It's thanks to men like Charles Duke that some of us are still gazing up at the moon [and stars] without cynicism.
wonderful interview, Thank-you.
I was an instructor that used to teach pilots a certain class. Gen Duke came to visit us and fly with us in our t-38s. I was fortunate to spend a couple of hours with Gen Duke and holy cow. He's truly an amazing individual who is happy to give his time. Super humble and kind.
Gen Duke, I'm so thankful for our time together and thankful for everything you've done for humanity.
Most fun Apollo mission of the bunch. Absolutely love charlie and john. Listen to Apollo 16s mission prolly once a month
Yes! The interactions between Charlie and John were the best of all six landings.
@@lordofthemound3890 They had the best script writers
My grandmother built logistics systems for NASA for 25 years and retired in the late 80's she was pissed when the challenger mission exploded in 93'. She was very proud that nothing she ever built was a problem during any missions... I was 12 and still remember her rant about it. Rest her soul.
why was she drunk when the Challenger mission exploded in 1986...
@@apocalips8008 um I was 4... So I don't remember that rant.
@@apocalips8008 Why are you so sick evil and twisted? Don't answer, things like you don't know what you are, but we do. Stay safe.
Absolute legend!!
Fabulous. On so many levels.
Thanks so much for this. I've always loved Charlie Duke's emotion when Apollo 11 landed. "Roger twang... Tranquility."
I could listen to these stories all day
Thanks Charlie for signing my model rocket! Was cool to have met you on my school trip to Kennedy years ago.
Thank you very much for providing us the opportunity to listen to a legend .
What a pleasure listening to his story.
Gotta believe you crossed paths with my friends Ed and Steve Copps. They were on the MIT team designing the navigation system. Very cool!!
I went to Space Camp in the early '90s. The "Moon Olympics" story was told to us as a cautionary tale just before we got strapped into the lunar gravity simulator. 😂
I so wanted to do that..
I remember as a kid we went on a school field trip there. I wanted to do the lunar simulator and they almost forgot me. Luckily they gave me a chance at the last minute. Good times.
That was amazing! Thank you so much for sharing.
Fantastic video. What a great bloke. Amazing
While watching all the missions my Dad said "I take my hat off for these men. It takes a lot of guts to sit on top of that much fuel and let them light it underneath you."
That's right, most people have no understanding of what they REALLY went through. They think it was like a giant cake walk.
From the moment they started the Saturn rockets till they hit the water it was a non- stop suicide mission where every second was the possibility of getting blown to bits, burned to a crisp, have your blood boil and your whole body evaporate, suffocate or a number of other things.
Most daring guys on the planet.
They accomplished the ages old dream of actually traveling and visiting the extremely hostel environment of the moon and today people call them liars and phonys.
Nobody has any pride in our nation or people anymore.
Never get tired of this story of the right stuff.
Wonderful interview.
Let's finish what these incredible pioneers started and establish a permanent base on the moon and beyond.
What an awesome video.
Very Good interview, and a real man (period) ☝