Legendary fighter pilot and first US ace of the Vietnam War Randy “Duke” Cunningham passed away the afternoon of Aug. 27, 2025 at the age of 83 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
He was born 8 Dec 1941 in Los Angeles.
Cunningham has been in and out of the hospital for the eight months with heart problems and other issues.
Cunningham was a retired US Navy commander and former F-4 Phantom pilot in VF-96, who along with his Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) Willy “Irish” Driscoll was the first US ace of the Vietnam War.
He was an officer and pilot in the United States Navy for 20 years.
Beege Welborn
@ChowdahHill A veritable icon in Naval Aviation…
Fair winds, following seas, and blue skies CDR. Cunningham.
We’ve got your six… https://t.co/3pG3vhtHJw pic.twitter.com/SU4SEUaVic
— Apex Actual || (@Apex_Actual_) August 28, 2025
Legendary Fighter Pilot, First US Ace of Vietnam War Randy “Duke” Cunningham Has Passed Away
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jemhouston
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Legendary Fighter Pilot, First US Ace of Vietnam War Randy “Duke” Cunningham Has Passed Away
https://hotair.com/headlines/2025/08/29 ... y-n3806259
| (@Apex_Actual_) August 28, 2025
Re: Legendary Fighter Pilot, First US Ace of Vietnam War Randy “Duke” Cunningham Has Passed Away
Imagine all he saw, imagine all he knew.
A cut above the rest indeed.
A cut above the rest indeed.
Amen.Fair winds, following seas, and blue skies CDR. Cunningham.