Duke Field's namesake

2nd Lt. Robert Duke (right) stands in front of a BT-13A Valiant training aircraft with his flight instructors. Duke received his wings and his commission in 1943. The lieutenant was the inspiration for Duke Field’s name. The Airman died in a crash while performing his duties as a test pilot for Eglin Air Force Base in 1943. (Courtesy Photo)

Duke Field's namesake

Published June 6, 2015
By Tech. Sgt. Sam King
919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

DUKE FIELD, Fla. -- Duke Field was named for Army 1st Lt. Robert Lewis Duke.

In 1941, Duke left his job as an insurance salesman to enlist in the Army Air Corps.

Duke completed flight school and was commissioned in 1943. His first duty station was as a test pilot at the Air Force proving grounds at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

During his assignment, the Indiana native flew missions testing new armaments, radios, camera and bombs.

In December 1943, Duke flew a test mission near Tullahoma,Tennessee. The 23-year-old Airman lost control of the aircraft and died in the crash.

Eglin's Auxiliary Field 3 was renamed in his honor several years after his death.