Given the choice between a lifeline on the moon or 8 ounces of fuel, Charlie Duke ’57 naturally chose the fuel. While the lifeline would’ve linked him to another astronaut on the moon in case of an emergency, that fuel could get them further on the lunar surface.

Charlie dreamed of flying as a child in Lancaster, SC. He took his chances in the Air Force out of the Naval Academy and he threw caution to the wind for his moon walk. He was calculated risk taker who exemplifies the honor, courage and commitment values ingrained in Bancroft Hall.

Charlie Duke was the youngest of 12 men to walk on the moon and one of three Naval Academy alumni in that exclusive club. We had the privilege to interview Charlie as the first guest of the Voices From Orbit podcast which launches on 4 August 2026. This monthly podcast, hosted by Shipmate ...