Randy “Duke” Cunningham House of Representatives His career ended in shame when he was convicted of accepting $2.4 million in bribes. He is 83 years old.
Cunningham died Wednesday at a hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, according to former representative Duncan L Hunter.
Hunter said he “represents the best American heroes who meet our enemies at the door.”
Cunningham was one of the highest decorated pilots in the Vietnam War, becoming the first warrior ace to shoot down five enemy planes. During the war, he received a Navy Cross, two silver stars, 15 air medals and a purple heart medal.
“Due to a complete disregard for his personal safety, he saved his winger through a cannon fire and continued his attack.”
He continued to serve in Congress for eight terms before pleading guilty in 2005, receiving illegal gifts from defense contractors in exchange for government contracts and other favors, which was considered the biggest bribery scandal in Congress’ history at the time.
Republican congressman from San Diego admitted to accepting a luxury home, yacht, Rolls-Royce, luxury dining and $40,000 Persian carpet and company antique furniture in exchange for their way to a profitable contract. In March 2006, he was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison.
His corruption cases were several that led to the establishment of the Congressional Ethics Office in 2008.
“In my life, I know great joy and great sorrow,” Cunningham said in his resignation statement. “I can’t undo what I do. But I can atone for my sins.”
Over time, he took a less annoyed tone, telling news agencies and others that he regretted his guilty plea and complained that the IRS was wasting his savings.
“A lot of the things they say are bribes, and I can definitely prove in black and white that they are 100% reimbursement for what I have paid for.”
In December 2012, Cunningham was released from a federal prison in Arizona and served his sentence at a federal midway house in New Orleans. It was the longest sentence for a member of Congress to take bribes until Louisiana Democrat William Jefferson won 13 years in 2009.
His judgment also required him to pay a $1.8 million tax deduction and an additional donation of $1.85 million in bribes he received, plus the proceeds from the sale of a home in highly exclusive San Diego Santa Fe. He was ordered to imprison $1,500 a month and pay $1,000 a month after his release.
Cunningham was born in Los Angeles on December 8, 1941, but grew up in Shelbina, Missouri, where his parents owned a five-point store. He graduated from the University of Missouri and a few years later he enlisted in 1967.
He retired in 1987 as a naval commander and was recognized by media commentators on military topics. When he ran for office in 1990, he replaced Democratic Congressman Jim Bate in a left-leaning area that was deported on allegations of sexual harassment.
Cunningham developed an interest in military affairs during Congress and supported a socially conservative stance. He attracted the attention of the outbreak – in a 1995 debate, he attacked his opponent because he was “the same opponent who puts homosexuals in the army”.
“He brought military operations expertise into Congress debate,” Hunter said, recalling watching Cunningham’s debate with the fate of a fighter. “He is a powerful conservative, powerful, and brings real light to the U.S. Congress.”
The shameful former Congressman received one of the pardons from Donald Trump at the end of 2021.
Hunter said he has largely been away from public attention since his release from prison, retiring in rural areas and serving as president of the American Fighter Ace Association.
His wife, Sharon Cunningham, an adult son and two daughters, and other family members survived. His family was unable to comment immediately.
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