Former San Diego Republican Congressman "Duke" Cunningham has died at the age of 83.
Cunningham was a decorated ace fighter pilot in the Vietnam War. Hhe shot down five enemy MIGS and was even shot down himself. He's sometimes credited with inspiring the Tom Cruise character Maverick in “Top Gun.”
He served in Congress from 1991 until 2005.
His political career ended when he pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges in 2005 and spent eight and half years in prison for his crimes. But he was later pardoned by President Trump.
The seven-term congressman, who shared a nickname with Hollywood actor John “Duke’ Wayne, died on Wednesday in Arkansas from an undisclosed illness.
(Photo reporting partner 10 News)