"Cunningham was the only American to shoot down three MiGs in one day. He would receive the Navy Cross for his heroism and superior airmanship on this day."
Duke was and is a good man, who made a bad mistake!
You are exactly correct on both counts.
Did he return his jet, or steal and sell that too? Criminal POS.
It was not a "mistake". A mistake is when you accidentally walk home with someone else's wallet. When you take a bribe you deliberately commit a crime. Don't sugar coat it. He was a good soldier who became a bad man. May he find redemption in prison.
A mistake is driving through a red light.
Knowingly taking bribes to the tune of $2,000,000 is not a "mistake".
It is the behavior of a very corrupt individual.