Charles M. Duke Jr. Was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 3, 1935. Upon graduation from the Naval Academy and receiving his connnission to the U.S.A..., Duke entered pilot training and received his wings in September 1959. In 1964 he entered the U.S.A.F. Research Pilot School at Edwards AFB. He logged 4,147 hours flying time which include 3,632 hours in jet aircraft. Duke was one of the 19 astronauts selected by NASA in April 1966 and served as lunar module pilot of Apollo 16 which was the fifth manned lunar mission of the Apollo programme and in which General Duke logged 265 hours and 51 minutes in space, including 21 hours and 28 minutes in extra-vehicular activities. Astronaut Duke also served as the backup lunar module pilot for the Apollo 13 and Apollo 17 flights. In December 1975 Duke retired from NASA to enter private business and he also entered the U.S.A.F. Reserves becoming Commander of the U.S.A.F. Recruiting Service. He was promoted to Brigadier General in 1979 and retired in June 1986. Duke, throughout his life, has received many honours and awards, is now much in demand as a speaker worldwide and has appeared in many TV shows. He and his wife, residing in New Braunfels, Texas, have co-authored the book 11Loonwalkcr released by Oliver Nelson Publishers in March 1990.