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Duke Mitchell was a U.S. naval aviator who was killed-in-action during the Vietnam War. He is the father of Pete "Maverick" Mitchell.

Biography[]

Top Gun[]

Duke is referenced four times in the film.

While talking to Maverick, Nick "Goose" Bradshaw indicates that because of the circumstances surrounding Duke's death in Vietnam, Maverick was denied admission to the U.S. Naval Academy.

While on a date with Charlotte Blackwood at her home during a date. Maverick tells her the official story and his version of events. See: 46:40.

After the losing engagement at TOPGUN with CDR Mike "Viper" Metcalf and LCDR Rick "Jester" Heatherly, Maverick is shown in his quarters looking at a picture of himself and Duke that Maverick carries in his wallet. Viper also has a picture of himself and Duke on the wall at Viper's house that Maverick sees when he visits Viper.

Viper tells Maverick that Viper served with Duke while both were assigned with VF-51 aboard the USS Oriskany. Viper then reveals then-classified details surrounding Duke's plane being shot down and that Viper witnessed Duke's heroic actions before Duke's F-4 Phantom II was shot down.

Notes[]

  • It is thought that Duke is a reference to former U.S. congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham, who is a former TOPGUN instructor and the only U.S. Navy pilot ace in the Vietnam War.
  • Duke is said to have flown dangerously; a trait shared with Maverick.

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