Damn Lucky - One Man’s Courage with the 100th Bomb Group
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- Опубліковано 7 кві 2022
- Damn Lucky - One Man’s Courage with the 100th Bomb Group
With John Luckadoo and Kevin Maurer
Content on WW2TV about Veterans of the Second World War
• Veterans of WWII
More Strategic Bombing content on WW2TV
• Strategic Bombing in WWII
When Second Lieutenant John “Lucky” Luckadoo - a wide-eyed 21-year-old assigned to the Eighth Air Force’s 100th Bomb Group - arrived in England, “Axis Sally,” an American broadcaster employed by Nazi Germany to disseminate propaganda during the war, welcomed his squadron by name. "This isn’t your war,” she told them. “You don’t have any business being here, but as long as you’re here we’re going to teach you a lesson.” And they did.
Kevin Maurer’s joins us to talk about his new book DAMN LUCKY: One Man’s Courage During the Bloodiest Military Campaign in Aviation History which tells the true story of “Lucky” Luckadoo who flew some of the deadliest missions.
Lucky's story starts with his quest to join the Royal Air Force with his best friend before the war, through 25 missions in combat over Germany to the one mission - a raid over Bremen - where Luckadoo felt like his luck had run out. The statistical chances for a heavy Bomber crew in Europe to be lost on a mission were 1-in-10. At a 25-mission tour of duty, statistically once a flyer made it to 10 missions they were literally on borrowed time. Anyone who served a full tour and survived was remarkably lucky.
Lucky Luckadoo will also be joining the show to talk about his war!
Buy the book:
USA bookshop.org/a/21029/97812502...
UK www.amazon.co.uk/Damn-Lucky-B...
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John Luckadoo did indeed deserve that French medal for his D-day contribution.
1922-2022; He has a ordered mind. Good on you.
Seriously? This gentleman hero is 99 years old? Amazing! We should all be so "Lucky" to have his faculties at any age close to his. We are blessed to have his presence and memory still with us.
Thank you Lucky for sharing, what a humble man
I'm Damn Lucky for finding this hero's story. He knew war was coming and didnt hesitate to start learning to become a pilot. Amazing service from the greatest generation!
What a way to return to the ‘airwaves’! A riveting story, entertaining and tragic in equal measure, and told by a very wise man. Thanks Paul, Kevin and, of course, Lucky!
Just watching this now, really wished I could have seen it live. What a remarkable man, completely without ego, very very honest about his involvement in the USAAF bomber campaign in the NW ETO, stunning levels of personal insights. Thanks to WW2TV for yet another fantastic programme, to Kevin for bringing Lucky's story to us, but most of all to the man himself. Lucky, we can never thank you or your comrades enough for what you did. Best wishes from Ireland.
A humble gentleman and quiet hero. Thank you, sir.
(from a mere lad of 53)
Thank you Lucky!
WOW! What an episode! I never expected to see an actual WW2 veteran on the show. Lucky Luckdoo is an absolute inspiration. His story of his best friend Sully hit me like a gut punch. Amazing episode! This one is going to be hard to top!
Thank you Lucky for your words of wisdom so painfully gained from the hard teacher of war. My condolences for the loss of your best friend Sully, and for the loss of other comrades from the "Bloody 100th" during the war. May God bless you and the families of those who gave their lives for the freedom of Europe, and indeed the world. Great work Woody and Kevin in bringing this story to our attention. I would have been proud to have served as a member of your crew Lucky.
Well said, my friend
Hello folks. Lucky is a national treasure. The Sully story is probably is the best one ever of friendship and sacrifice. Great job.
Thank you for your story! Excellent presentation
Outstanding show, very poignant. Thank you, Lucky, for sharing your story with us. We salute you for giving us our freedom.
Wow!! What a story. Lucky is an amazing man his service to the country can never be repaid. Brilliant insight into war learned over a lifetime. Absolutely a book I need to get.
Excellent episode. A brave man and a hero to us all. It hit home when Mr. Luckadoo spoke of his friend that was KIA. The ‘faces’ as it was described, may fade as time passes but, thankfully, those memories stay with you. Bought the book today - can’t wait to read it. God bless to the WWII veterans who still teach us so much. Thank you and God speed.
Another excellent show! Lucky is still pretty sharp! I could listen to his stories all day. The book is definitely worth purchasing! Thanks Woody! Great return show!
Wow I feel so privileged to have watched this show and have a gentleman like Lucky share his incredible story and insights. I have a 21 year old son with a passion for flying, I can just imagine him being first in line like Lucky, and then just so so grateful that he does not have to experience what Lucky has. Not embarrassed to say I shed quite a few tears watching this, while my dearest cat also named Lucky curled up beside me. I am devastated that Lucky has to witness the horrifying war taken place. The are no victors, only victims, I will never forget that. Godspeed Sir. Thank you Paul and Kevin
Great show to return from a break. Prayers for Lucky, Sully and all the airman.
What an honor it was to listen to Lucky talk about his experiences and share his wisdom. To Lucky, thank you for your contribution, your service in saving the world from tyranny.
Lucky is Fantastic as you said! Pleasure to be able to sit and have a beer with you on Saturday Paul! Much appreciated. The two Aussies, Beau and Anthony!
Nice to meet you two. Enjoy watching more of the content
It's so great to see you talking to Lucky. As an ex-journalist who interviewed many WW2 veterans, Lucky is one of the best interviewees I have seen.
Great to hear Lucky's experiences and important to record as much as possible.
Very moving presentation. Thanks for that. The father of a high school class mate was a tail gunner in the 351st Bomb Squadron, 100th Bomb Group. He was on board "Humpty Dumpty" when it was shot down in the Hamburg raid. He became a POW. I always wondered who would name a bomber Humpty Dumpty.
A name closer to the reality of the situation, one way or another.
Excellent!!!
this been wonderful experience listen to lucky
Such an honor and a privilege to see and to hear you Lucky, with such truth and eloquence. We sit in the shade of the trees you and your fellow veterans planted. Thank you. Thanks Kevin for helping Lucky tell his story. Thanks Woody for bringing his story to us.
That was amazing. Thank you for telling us your story Lucky.
And thanks Kevin and Paul too for making it possible to watch and read soon. I’ll look forward to being able to read the book.
What a gem!!! We are so honored to have Lucky still with us and his mind is incredibly sharp. Great interview and keep giving us listeners such wonderful shows.
This is incredible to listen to! Lucky reminds me of my Dad, he served in WW2 however I know very little of his time in Europe. Thank you Paul and Kevin, for all you do in keeping their memories alive, and thank you Lucky for your service.
Great man. Really admire his comment war never changes anything and WHY can't countries communicate and understand other points of view
I spent the weekend with our precious Lucky honoring the memories of the Fallen 100th.
At 101 he is as clear minded, straight backed, and inspirational as ever.
Brilliant, he's a legend
Thank you for your service sir!!
Could you please pass on my thanks to Lucky for sharing his experiences with the rest of us..
From a member of the 381st bomb group museum.. ( When I can get over there to pay my membership!! )..
Great Channel, awesome interview with Lucky, looking forward to the book, and really happy to see that his story is being shared through interviews and his book
Thank you for your service Lucky
I live about three miles from Lucky's old base. Lucky visited there this week, sadly I didn't know and missed the chance to meet him. If you get the chance visit the museum in the old control tower it's well worth a look, staffed by a great group of people.
I do not possess the literary skill to adequately describe this presentation all I can say is watch this show, Just Watch It!! If you are not moved by what Lucky has to say you have no soul!!
Well said, Scott. Well said.
Outstanding Paul!
Reading his book and "Masters of the Air", can't wait for the series. "12 'o' Clock High" and when I was a kid "Memphis Belle".
Raise a pint of half 'n half (light split in our part of UK) to Lucky
Wow, what an amazing episode! I just got the book and looking forward to it!
I would love to share a bottle of Buffalo Trace with Mister Lucky and say thank you to him and his. Wow: "In my hundred years, I have come to realize that war is folly. It is absolutely foolish and a sad commentary on the human condition."
Lucky is still around!?.. God bless you mate...
The book was amazing! I really enjoyed it!
Great story, just finished my copy.
Fascinating show!
Thanks Nick
Respect.
The cold and long flights reminds me of a story I have read that the crews were given amphetamines to keep awake and keep the crew sharp. Apparently a Japanese invention, given to the Germans, found out by Allies. used by all forces. Might be the subject of an episode.
Hi woody. no preamble. after studying what john was describing i would suggest the odds are equal to flipping a coin (heads live tails die) and getting heads every time 26 times ?