Retired Congressman Duncan L. Hunter issued a statement honoring his late colleague Randy “Duke” Cunningham, who died last week at age 83, focusing on the decorated pilot’s military service rather than the bribery scandal that ended his political career.

“Duke Cunningham, my friend and colleague, represented the very best of American Heroes who go out to meet our enemies at the gates,” Hunter said in a tribute to the former San Diego congressman and went on to describe his military awards.

Cunningham became the first fighter ace of the Vietnam War after shooting down five enemy aircraft, earning the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars and a Purple Heart for his extraordinary combat actions. Hunter detailed Cunningham’s acts of courage, including positioning himself between enemy formations and

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