General Dukes was born October 29, 1928, in Newberry, South Carolina, and died May 21, 1987. After graduating from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Textiles, General Dukes was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1952. He also graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a Master’s Degree in Textile Engineering.
He had a number of assignments with Artillery and Quartermaster units in the United States and the Far East. He also served in Europe with the U.S. Army Quartermaster Technical Intelligence Detachment. His commands included Army and Air Force Exchange Service – Europe, Munich, Germany; Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, Virginia; U.S. Army Quartermaster School Brigade, Fort Lee; Sacramento Army Depot, Sacramento, California; Umatilla Army Depot, Hermiston, Oregon; and 96th Supply and Service Battalion, Vietnam.
General Dukes’ last command before his retirement in 1984 was Quartermaster General and Commander of Fort Lee, Virginia. Among General Dukes’ numerous contributions to the Quartermaster Corps were his development of a Family Advocacy Program and a Family Center that became the model for the entire Army during the “Year of the Family.” General Dukes was also responsible for upgrading the Quartermaster Officer Basic Course to include leadership training for advanced individual training companies of the Quartermaster Brigade. While commanding AAFES-Europe, he was responsible for increasing sales by 20 percent at 4,500 retail outlets that generated more funds for morale, welfare and recreation programs throughout the joint services.
General Dukes’ awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with one Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal (with one Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (with one Oak Leaf Cluster), and General Staff Identification Badge.