December 8th, 1941 – August 27th, 2025
America’s first Fighter Ace of the Vietnam War has taken his final flight West on August 27th, 2025, at the age of 83. Commander Randall “Duke” Cunningham served as a US Navy fighter pilot during the final years of the Vietnam War and completed twenty years of Naval service from 1967-1987. “Duke” became a Fighter Ace alongside his RIO, Willy “Irish” Driscol, on May 10th, 1972, and is one of the most highly decorated veterans in the history of this nation.
He was recommended for the Medal of Honor, received the Congressional Gold Medal – awarded to the American Fighter Aces, and holds the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, fifteen Air Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, The Purple Heart, President Unit Commendation, South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry-Star Cluster, Cross of Gallantry-Oak Leaf, South Vietnamese Medal of Honor, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device, and many more.
LT. Cunningham was a Top Gun student, as well as an instructor, and served with Fighter Squadron 154, The Black Knights. He was then the executive officer of Fleet Coordinating Group, working with 7th Fleet Staff in the protection of all Southeast Asian countries. He was selected to become executive officer of the Navy’s Adversary Squadron, followed by commanding officer.
“Duke” Cunningham was a college dean (National University, San Diego, CA), graduate assistant swim coach, and assistant football coach (University of Missouri). “Duke” received a Bachelor of Science, as well as a Master of Science in Education from University of Missouri, and an MBA from National University. He was a member of the US Congress for sixteen years, serving on the Defense Appropriations and Education Committees, as well as Chairman to the Intelligence Sub Committee on Terrorism.
He and his wife, Sharon, are members of East Union Missionary Baptist church. “Duke” also served as President of the American Fighter Aces Association, an Associate Member of the Pulaski County Republican Women’s Club, a volunteer fireman in Hot Springs Village, and an Experimental Aircraft Association member. He was active with many veteran groups, and he took immense pride in educating young adults and encouraging them in the pursuit of higher education.
“Duke’s” priorities in life have consistently been his relationship with Christ, family and his country. He has always been passionate about fighting for the future welfare of our beautiful country and all her citizens…
He was preceded in death by his father, Randy Percival Cunningham, mother, Lela Belle Cunningham, and several other family members. He is survived by his wife, Sharon-Kay Stone Cunningham, his son, Todd Cunningham and his wife Kari of San Diego, CA, stepson, Rolland “Rookie” Daley and his wife, Louise of San Diego, CA, stepdaughter, Kai Daley of Westminster, CO, and other family members.
A celebration of life is planned for September 25th at East Union Missionary Baptist church in East End. Visitation is at 1:30pm and the service will be held at 2:30pm. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to East Union Missionary Baptist church’s mission/youth group fund in memory of “Duke.” Additionally, if there are any photos, memorabilia, keepsakes, etc. that you wish to share with the family, please deliver those to East Union Missionary Baptist Church, while the family takes this time to grieve. A second celebration of life is being planned for mid-October in San Diego, CA. Details will be provided as requested.
East Union Missionary Baptist Church
20422 N. Springlake, Rd
Hensley, AR 72065
(501) 888 – 2633