The combat career of World War I aviator Frank Luke Jr. lasted less than two months, ending with his death. In that short time, he found an honored place in American history, and ensured that the story of the Luke family would be indelibly linked with that of Arizona. 
For hard riding, straight shooting, having fun, challenging the odds and helping build up their community, it would be hard to find any other American family to compare with the Lukes of Arizona. Their story began with Charles Augustus Luke, a saloon-keeper, Indian fighter, politician and mining entrepreneur who rode the hills and valleys of frontier Arizona. It continued with Frank Luke Sr., his nephew, who helped fund the young state as a State Tax Commissioner, and Frank Senior’s son, Frank Luke Jr., who won the Congressional Medal of Honor in the bullet-packed skies over France in World War I.
The Luke story continued with Frank Jr.’s brother Bill, an avid outdoorsman who became a key part of the state’s business community as head of Bill Luke Chrysler in Phoenix. It continues today with Bill’s son Don, who still runs the family auto dealership.
The Luke story is one of courage, daring and hard work, of translating frontier grit into success in business and in life, of enjoying the bounty of nature, and of never losing track of where you came from. It is a uniquely American adventure.
A peek inside
