On April 16, 1972, astronaut and Apollo 16 lunar module pilot Charlie Duke became the tenth and youngest human being to walk on the surface of the moon. Apollo 16 was NASA’S second scientific expedition of the moon, during which time Duke logged 20.25 hours in extra-vehicular activities (EVA) and collected some 213 pounds of soil and geological samples. He took the only videos of the lunar rover “in action” as it skidded across the surface. Duke is also known for his crucial role as CAPCOM — the capsule communicator — during the hair-raising moon landing of Apollo 11. In 1976, Col. Charles M. Duke, Jr., age 40, retired from NASA with five Apollo missions under his belt and transitioned from active duty to the USAF Reserve, where he served at senior levels with the recruiting service and basic military training commands. In 1979, he was promoted to O-7 (Brigadier General). Ten years later in June 1986, Charlie Duke retired from the USAFR with 4,147 hours flight time, of which 3,632 hours were in jet aircraft. He has received numerous awards during his lifetime, including the NASA and USAF Distinguished Service Medal, three honorary doctorate degrees, and induction into six Halls of Fame. Since his retirement from NASA, Charlie Duke has also served as President of Orbit Corporation (1976-78); Director of Robbins Company and Amherst Fiber Optics (1986-89); Chairman of Duke Resources (1988-93); Chairman of Texcor (1989-94); Director of the Astronaut Scholarship Fund (2011-12); and provides on-going consulting with Lockheed-Martin.
Inducted in 2021.
Portrait Location: Not Currently on Floor

Induction Video