Charlie Duke Signed Photograph of Apollo 16 Moonwalk

Presented is an Apollo 16 mission photograph, signed and inscribed by Apollo 16 moonwalker Charlie Duke. The photograph shows Duke collecting lunar samples next to Plum Crater on the Moon. The photograph is inscribed in felt-tip gold ink and reads, in full, “It may have been ‘One Small Step’ for Neil, and ‘One Giant Leap for Mankind’ but for me, I was just happy that we successfully landed our lunar module ‘Orion’ on the moon’s dusty soil! Charlie Duke, Apollo 16 Moonwalker, Apollo 11 Capcom.”

Charles “Charlie” Duke was a fighter pilot, U.S. Air Force Officer, and astronaut. Duke served as Lunar Module Pilot during the Apollo 16 mission, aimed to answer broad questions about the Moon’s surface by inspecting sample materials, conducting experiments, and completing photographic tasks from lunar orbit. Duke was known even before he stepped foot on the Moon, as he was employed as a Mission Control specialist in Houston where the world heard Duke’s distinctive voice during the Apollo 11 Mission: “Roger, Twank…Tranquility, we copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue. We’re breathing again. Thanks a lot!” After Duke piloted Apollo 16, he stayed with NASA and remained the back-up pilot for Apollo 17. Duke retired in 1976 and earned the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.

CONDITION:
Very good condition. Inscription is in black felt tip pen. Inscription is legible and not smudged. Photograph Dimensions: 16” H x 20” W.

Framed according to highest archival standards with Conservation Clear UV Glass and a custom built wooden frame.

Framed dimensions: 17 1/2″ H x 21 1/4″ W x 1″ D.