The greatest generation 🇺🇲.... Thank God for the people who showed the world America is willing to risk life and limb to destroy evil regimes who are determined to rule the world..
I would give the title of greatest generation to the Vietnam era folks. About 70 percent of those who served in WW2 had to be drafted, only about 30 percent volunteered. Vietnam War Veterans - about 70 percent volunteered while only 30 percent volunteered. Those are facts. Proud to say I'm a generation X and our generation was all volunteer and actually just ended Americans longest war.
I had the honor and privilege of meeting Harry Crosby, lead navigator or the Bloody 100th at the Boeing Museum of Flight back in the 80's. He was selling his book, "A Wing and A Prayer" which of course I bought and he autographed. I have it sitting right here beside me. Funny how I still recall thinking that I would have not thought of him as anything but another person visiting the museum. That's when it dawned on me the enormity of just what that generation had accomplished. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Thank you John Luckadoo and Harry Crosby. I walk the streets as a free person because of people like you.
My Uncle never came back. Fighter pilot in North Africa. Victor Giles. I think of him and how so many people in the US who don't appreciate the freedom we have here due to these men. We need to remember and teach this History.
my wifes grandfather was in the army and had the insane task of storming Normandy, fought in the Ardennes and killed some Nazi's then was lucky enough to come back home and create a family and lots of paintings. He never talked about the war but when we cleaned out his home after his passing 6 or 7 years ago we found an incredible box of history. he had a luger he took off a nazi he had to fistfight and kill, lots of knives, medals, and some helmets. I had the privilege to shoot the german luger and that 1917 pistol shot like a brand new firearm. i couldn't believe how well it functioned and looked. I am in awe every time I read or watch a story from one of these veterans. as a nurse I have had the pleasure to take care of hundreds of these men and women. I always made more time for the vets, they deserve much more than we could give. i loved hearing their stories, 2 of my favorites- this guy was a diabetic and hated getting his insulin shots, he would tell me I would rather be shot down in Korea again than get these gdamn shots and another man I took care of for a while was hard of hearing , he always and I mean always wore his WW2 hat. One day he told me why the Crystals in his ears were "whacky". "That son of a bitch nazi threw his shitty potato masher in my fox hole and tried to blow me up". lucky he survived with only damaged hearing !!holy hell! all great people especially my air force nurse that loved jumping out of airplanes! incredible stories by incredible humans.
Sorry for your Families loss Your Uncle is my Hero If he had children. And then grandchildren I would like to send them MONEY as a small token of my respect and admiration His direct family deserves the best !
Never and I mean NEVER have I witnessed such a great Interview with the Most OUTSTANDING PILOT AND A REAL MAN AT THAT AGE WITH SO MUCH RESPONSIBILITY EVER IN MY LIFE!! I love you as a true man and a patriot to our country ❤️ Cowboy from Texas God Bless you!
They werent called the Greatest Generation for nothing. I was fortunate enough to have been raised by a man from that generation who was a medic in the Pacific theatre. Thank you for your service John !!
What a great interview. Mr. Luckadoo is still sharp as a razor. I had a good friend who was a bombardier in the 100th BG. Unfortunately he has gone west several years ago. He was on that Bremen mission in October ‘43 that Mr. Luckadoo refers to as his 22nd. He described it almost identically. Thank you for this video and Thank You to all who defend our nation.
John did a good job explaining the harsh conditions of high altitude non pressurized flying. I knew the conditions were harsh but never knew how or what exactly they were like. Specially about the ice crystals forming around oxygen mask or their feet freexing to the rudder pedals. God Blessed America with fine brave young men and woman during a time of great despair the world over. May we never forget their sacrifice.
i can not believe those planes didnt have better heat systems. i cant imagine being 15,000 -30,000 feet with no heat. i was freezing in my 69 Plymouth with some pretty shitty heat and that was only 100 ft above sea level , I probably would have died at 15000.
One hell of an interview, you can clearly tell this is one sharp fella. Extreme amount of respect for this man and everyone like him. True hero’s whom are keeping this great history alive which is extremely important now days. Thank you for what you’ve done for this country and for many others around the world.
Extraordinary storied life and he was 21--22. My Dad was 26. When I look at our own children today, I know by the strength of our Dads and Moms of the Greatest Generation, we are capable of duty, honor, country, and defending democracy against any evil. You know Lucky was a talented pilot and natural leader.
When I see the amount of likes and comments for videos only a day old and then I see this posted back in April I feel dumbfounded. This is one of the best WWII interviews I have come across. Maybe it displays the complete lack of interest the younger generations have in world history, 20th century history. I never heard of or knew about co-pilots being relegated to the tail gun position until now. Lucky, if you're still around I'd love to meet you but I'm on the other side of the world so it won't happen mate. I loved hearing of your experience and your memories, mates included. God bless you all.
God bless that man. He's a great American hero. What an outstanding interview but the last part of that video of him beside that airplane gave me chills. We've only heard a few of his experiences but I can't imagine the thoughts that go through his mind when he's next to a B-17. We should feel honored to be living during his lifetime
My Dad, Robert W. Wallace was a tailgunner on two B-17's, Lady Luck and Diana Queen of the Chase during WWII. He went overseas to England in August of 1944. He flew 35 missions out of Deenthorpe air base in England. He was suppose to fly 36 missions but was grounded after 35 because of a major hearing loss. As a result he was not allowed to return to the states with his crew but stayed at Deenthorpe until the end of the war working in the supply depot distributing oxygen masks to new crews coming in. He did not get to come home until May of 1945. He wasn't allowed to fly home because of his hearing loss and came home on the Queen Elizabeth. Ultimately he had a 100% loss of hearing in one ear and a 90% loss in the other. He taught himself to read lips and wore a hearing aid for the rest of his life. Despite all of that he returned to work at Continental oil refinery in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He had returned to his wife and 6 year old son and soon welcomed his daughter, me, into the world in Sept. of 1946. He was a great father and provider and I always looked at him as my hero.
The eyewitness testimony of veterans like John are crucial to our understanding of those times. It's easy to wax nostalgic about the 'good war', when it was, in fact, a horror show that tried the mettle of everyone involved. Death was impersonal and so quick. Those guys deserve our respect and admiration. What a hell of a time they lived through.
Well said mate. Unfortunately I do think its becoming a forgotten history which is never good. It is the biggest war the world has ever seen but it is as if the world has been desensitised to it. We will remember them.
A good war doesn't surrender [Yalta sell-out] style] as we repeated in Korea Vietnam Afghanistan! I.E. stuff the dumb-down P.C. educated don't/ can't think or talk about!
@@stevemitz4740 what were your alternate proposals. Please start with Yalta, then Korea or Vietnam or Afghanistan. It's easy to say absolutely nothing, as you just did. Saying exactly what you disapproved of helps.
@@stevek8829 Are you trying to exhibit, "Dumb-down education"? Your inability to see the Death & misery Godless psychotic, commie loving Democrat socialist FDR caused at Yalta, good luck I can't help you! Maybe try Googling, "Bush condemns Allies' division of Europe at Yalta.!" Maybe he can, "say absolutely something true!" But remember as George Orwell predicted about your type, "In the future 1984+ when the State tells you 2+2= 5, It's 5! Can you explain what he was "Saying"? George Patten Jr. knew & had the right idea about post war Russia, It's why he got accidented! I.E. something no Godless Democrat worshiping/ educated Cog (AS educator John Gatto calls you people) will ever comprehend! BUT their is always hope! Good luck!!!
@@stevemitz4740 as expected, all you have is rant! If you had the capability of forming a thought you could have said what SPECIFICALLY you disagree about any of the things you mentioned. And, perhaps, an alternate idea. I know you won't. PS you can't even spell Patton. What would you have done at Yalta? Don't forget how powerful Stalin was and how he threatened a separate peace. It's easy to say something sucks, any UA-cam moron can do that.
I’ve watched so many of these WWII gentlemen interviewed. Duty, honor, country, but most of all courage. Mr. Luckadoo has done two videos. In the Ward Carroll interview he was 100 y/o. His memory is flawless, as are his speech and diction. My father was a B17 pilot. Shot down over Dieppe, France one month b4 D-Day, on his first mission. 4 months hidden by the French Underground. He never talked about it. I learned about it from some of his crew members who wrote about their experiences and they mentioned him. He died in 1983 at age 66. Alcohol!
The crew of the 358th Bomb Squadron Boeing B-17F 'Hell's Angels' completed its 25th mission on May 13, 1943. It became the first 8th Air Force B-17 to complete 25 combat missions. The "Memphis Belle" crew completed its 25th mission on May 17, 1943, four days after the 'Hell's Angels'
Mr. Luckadoo is awesome true living history!!! He deserves ALL of our respect!!! I'm retired USAF of over 20 yrs. & I would have loved to sit down with him or any of the other flying heros of WWII!!! Their true stories are like gold for us to hear & learn from!!! Thank you SO MUCH Mr. Luckadoo!!!!
Wonderful to have Lucky's interview. My navigator Dad never spoke about his 1944 tour of 35+ missions out of Ridgewell GB to Europe, similar to Lucky's... except to say at his missons end he spent 3 weeks in Long Beach hospital with "Battle Fatigue." He made a career out of the Air Force post WW II and college degree completion. My Dad may have done something similar, as when the medical schools were filling up and had weird conditions like the interviewer asked... "was your father or uncle a doctor?" Since my Dad's answer was no, he wasn't admitted in to the one school he interviewed with. So he was heartbroken like Lucky. He went back into the new USAF right away at his former rank, maybe they needed more navigators then and spent a career 20+ yrs as a SAC navigator and then got out and went into Intelligence, to become an Intell commander, missed being re-called to 'Nam, and retired as a Lt. Col. Love you Dad! So proud!!
My dad was also in the Eighth Air Force and was in England in 1942-1945. He loaded bombs on the plane and often spoke about the B 17s. I was never able to find out what bomber crew of which he was part . These videos have been so enlightening of what my dad saw and experienced.
Thank you for this interview and film. It was real and compassionate. My father served as gunner in the Eighth Air Force, stationed in England. He passed away over 70 years ago when I had just turned two. I have never gotten over the loss.
As a former USAF troop, a son of a WW2 US Army SSgt, I am constantly amazed and unworthy when I see these stories. Lucky is the last or tail end of the GREATEST GENERATION. I am “ lucky” myself to be raised and in some way, connected to men of this character. Its why as now President of Oath Keepers USA , I do what I do. Because of THESE men who raised the bar for Americans!
My uncle Art lived to about 95. He flew 29 missions in B17 as a gunner in the bottom of plane below nose. A most remarkable miracle that he survived and lead a great life. God bless all our heros: everyone who served in our military.
We really need to honor these HEROS as much as possible because this year (2021) is the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor which started WWII for America and these HEROS are passing on average 245 each day and it's sad because this is the Greatest Generation and we need to be picking their brains if they are willing to talk. My Grandfather was a P-47D pilot but WWII & Korea and Vietnam really got to him psychologically and drank himself to death in 1982 when I was only 11 so I didn't ever think of WWII and the veterans as I do today. I was a JAG lawyer in the Army for 20 years went to Abu Ghraib prison and did investigate US troops who did wrong
My grandfather survived the Bataan March and pow but sir these interviews is all about you and all your comrades who fought and sacrificed blood sweat and tears. From the bottom my heart and from all my relatives whos 2 uncles served in Vietnam and from my grandpa who served in Bataan, WE THANKYOU so much!👍🙏
This is such a wonderful picture of terrible conditions to deal with. I am so amazed every time I watch anything that relates to that bloody war involving the B-17 Bombers. I am in awe as to the dedication of those men. This spotlights that particular theater and all the situations they faced. I spent time in Southeast Asia and was in Vietnam and I know a little about combat flying. We had the C-130's which were cargo ships but that didn't matter to the VC. They shot many of them when they landed to supply Army and Air Force bases. I was on a few when that happened. We were fortunate as well and survived to go home. I spent my 21st birthday in Vietnam so it's easy for me to listen to his description of all those missions. What they had to face was brutal. He mentioned 4 enemies. Fear, the cold, the German fighters and of course the flack. Almost more than is humanly possible. God bless all those men and women who have stood faithful to these United States of America. I salute you Sir. I enjoyed everything you spoke about.
So many young men 15-17 years old volunteered ( like my own father ). He tried to get my grandparents consent. My grandfather said he would, but grandma said no. She said that she wouldn’t give permission but if he could get in without it she wouldn’t stop him. He lied about his age and the Army took him in. I often look around these days and wonder how many 15-17 kids these days would do the same. Their service and sacrifice can never have enough thanks for what they did. Sadly, we are very near the day when they will all be gone.
To many of theses men failed to write their memoirs and their bravery has been lost, but they will live on in the collective memories of future generations,
Pretty hard to write about something you wish you could forget. Writing about what haunts you isn't what men usually do . Trying to readjust to life after all that was another full time effort in it self.
@@jimardizoni3453 as an ex servicemen from a military family and a member of a servicemen’s club, I found the vast majority of returned military personnel would share their experiences not only amoung themselves but also with others who showed genuine interest.. Often I heard that to forget is to also forget those who didn’t come home. I was privileged enough to hear those stories, now there gone.
@@zeppy2732 I to appreciate their stories I grew up with a large group of relatives all in every branch of service. holiday picnics late at night the woman were keeping the kids close . The stories got as dark as the night. The pg.filters were off . All my uncles and father had some serious mental issues try to put it behind them .
@@jimardizoni3453 I can’t understand a person haunted by the horrors of war repeating those stories at night in the presence of children. I was referring to a recorded history in print, probably kept in the adult section of a library or book store.
@@zeppy2732 it was the 50s / 60s their help after ww2 was each other and alcohol. I misunderstood your orginal comment. I agree these stories need to be shared in print and taught in schools most importantly remembered!
Interesting and enlightening to listen and learn from this vet's experience; really impresses with his recollection of dates and details that adds the depth to his story and the interview. Living in the UK, I've met three former WWII airmen; two fighter Spitfire pilots and one navigator flying Mosquitos. One Spitfire pilot was a personal friend of my father's, nicknamed, Chips, a Battle of Britain pilot ~ one of Churchill's 'few,' and such an understated gentleman. His nickname evolved from surviving being shot down three times. Chips was also stationed in Malta as part of the defence of the island, which I learned about a couple of years ago; had no idea otherwise; a generation that perhaps will never be equalled again
General Tibbets was guest speaker at our USAF Leadership School Graduation. All the staff were reminding us not to ask about the mission or the bomb. Well me and my lab partner, who also was very easy on the eyes, were playing some video game before the event started. Suddenly as the game finished, we were startled to find Gen Tibbets standing behind us watching. He asked us our names, thought the game was neat I think he said, asked what we do in the real Air Force and then proceeded to tell us about the brightest light he’d ever seen and some explosion. I believe the relevance was the game, Missile Defender I think, the little explosions. Great guy. So no, he had no regrets. And thank you all for your service and the efforts to save Enola Gay.
1940 he was 18 makes him 99 in 2021 . He said he was 18 when he tried to enlist in Canada had to of been 1940 year before the USA got into the war. He’s very sharp
SO VERY INTERESTING TO WATCH & LISTEN TO. 'Lucky' was so sharp & so well-spoken in this VIDEO that I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Thank God for John Luckadoo and for all those who never got the chance to share their stories.
Any B17 pilots who were stationed in England still out there? My moms significant other before she died was a man by the name of Frank Shields. He was a B17 pilot stationed there. He told me that he and his crew reuped and ended up flying 52 missions over enemy territory. Great stories. Every time I see a B17 I think of Frank, great man. I always wonder if any of you guys ever knew him.
Fascinating incredible I’m speechless but THANKYOU so very much from one vet who didn’t see combat to someone who did I’m not worthy and many thanks over🙏🙏👍
Wow some amazing stories he shared! Very grateful to have the oppertunity to hear them. Huge respect for him and the generation of Americans he was part of. Freedom isnt Free and God bless them all🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Today, we have people who are hurt by words, do you think they could ever accomplish what these brave men did? We will never see a generation like them again!
Excellent interview!! What a great example of the “Greatest Generation”!! “Lucky” is so sharp,so articulate, makes me proud to be an American! His articulate explanation of the daily life of our heroic B-17 crews during WWII, is priceless!!!
Excellent. My father was too young to serve during the war. He did however live in london during it and was 14 when the war ended. Then went on to do national service in the RAF not long after. It"s really something, what all these young people went through during these years. Thanks and gratitude to all involved and to modern day service men and women too.
If this isn’t the New Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks World War II series that they’re doing for HBO I’m going to be so mad! This guy has one of the craziest stories!!! Lucky is one of the coolest WW2 guys I’ve seen interviewed!
I have watched many interviews of B17 pilots. I consider this one the best of all, while they were all great this one of John stands out. Great job putting this together.
Live right down the road from "CXO" Conroe and have been in the hangar where she's kept while not touring. Been all over inside her. Dad was 101st Airborne on D-Day and would have loved to flown in the navigator's spot.....he was signal corpsman and a pilot.
"You not only had to face your morality of being a killer (or be killed), or your mortality as to whether you survive." My father flew 52 missions in a B-17, some as Bombardier. He had nightmares for his entire life. I don't know how he did it.
A VERY good video. When I hear this gentleman relate his story, I honestly can't see our current generation of 18 and 19 year olds doing what this, our greatest generation did!
The "Military Industrial Complex" that Eisenhower warned of is firmly entrenched and is responsible for creating conflict that ensures its continued existence and profiting from death and destruction, turning war from the defense of Liberty and Freedom to nothing but a sick business venture lining the pockets of shadowy billionaires at the expense of not only US service personnel, but the sovereignty of democratically elected governments and the lives of countless innocent civillians, not to mention senseless destruction of infrastructure. For this, the American taxpayer is on the hook for a trillion dollars a year when the country faces no discernable threat other than those created by the Pentagon.
a very impressive, insightful and articulate interview indeed. God bless you for your heroic service and congratulations your continued "luck" to live a long and full life after your invaluable service to our country after the war.
The greatest generation 🇺🇲....
Thank God for the people who showed the world America is willing to risk life and limb to destroy evil regimes who are determined to rule the world..
Amen to that!! Well said!!
I would give the title of greatest generation to the Vietnam era folks. About 70 percent of those who served in WW2 had to be drafted, only about 30 percent volunteered. Vietnam War Veterans - about 70 percent volunteered while only 30 percent volunteered. Those are facts. Proud to say I'm a generation X and our generation was all volunteer and actually just ended Americans longest war.
You referencing the crazy liberals within that are pure evil?
@@renatovonschumacher3511 Just for mouthing off, you're next.
@@renatovonschumacher3511 Because you have been brainwashed by your communist media.
Lucky is the greatest example of the Greatest Generation.
We love you, Lucky!
I had the honor and privilege of meeting Harry Crosby, lead navigator or the Bloody 100th at the Boeing Museum of Flight back in the 80's. He was selling his book, "A Wing and A Prayer" which of course I bought and he autographed. I have it sitting right here beside me. Funny how I still recall thinking that I would have not thought of him as anything but another person visiting the museum. That's when it dawned on me the enormity of just what that generation had accomplished. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Thank you John Luckadoo and Harry Crosby. I walk the streets as a free person because of people like you.
The enormity.. Indeed, indeed.
Best elociant descriptive of bravery?
regards.
That's a great book. It seems to me that the new Masters of the Air series takes more from Crosby's book than from the book it's named after.
My Uncle never came back. Fighter pilot in North Africa. Victor Giles. I think of him and how so many people in the US who don't appreciate the freedom we have here due to these men. We need to remember and teach this History.
my wifes grandfather was in the army and had the insane task of storming Normandy, fought in the Ardennes and killed some Nazi's then was lucky enough to come back home and create a family and lots of paintings. He never talked about the war but when we cleaned out his home after his passing 6 or 7 years ago we found an incredible box of history. he had a luger he took off a nazi he had to fistfight and kill, lots of knives, medals, and some helmets. I had the privilege to shoot the german luger and that 1917 pistol shot like a brand new firearm. i couldn't believe how well it functioned and looked. I am in awe every time I read or watch a story from one of these veterans. as a nurse I have had the pleasure to take care of hundreds of these men and women. I always made more time for the vets, they deserve much more than we could give. i loved hearing their stories, 2 of my favorites- this guy was a diabetic and hated getting his insulin shots, he would tell me I would rather be shot down in Korea again than get these gdamn shots and another man I took care of for a while was hard of hearing , he always and I mean always wore his WW2 hat. One day he told me why the Crystals in his ears were "whacky". "That son of a bitch nazi threw his shitty potato masher in my fox hole and tried to blow me up". lucky he survived with only damaged hearing !!holy hell! all great people especially my air force nurse that loved jumping out of airplanes! incredible stories by incredible humans.
The Dwight d Eisenhower center at the University of New Orleans teaches World war II history and they have tests on it on public access television
@@TRUMP_WAS_RIGHT_ABOUT_EVRYTHNG 🙏🏻❤️🥇
Sorry for your Families loss
Your Uncle is my Hero
If he had children. And then grandchildren I would like to send them MONEY as a small token of my respect and admiration
His direct family deserves the best !
❤❤❤❤ SO HUMBLE
Young Men should watch this video to learn humility
My brother n law was a B 17 pilot that survived to ,, passed away 6 years ago 1 week before he turned 95 ,,, loved talking to him
Sorry for your loss.atleaat He lived a long life
Never and I mean NEVER have I witnessed such a great Interview with the Most OUTSTANDING PILOT AND A REAL MAN AT THAT AGE WITH SO MUCH RESPONSIBILITY EVER IN MY LIFE!! I love you as a true man and a patriot to our country ❤️ Cowboy from Texas God Bless you!
I hope that interview is preserved in every way known to man in the 21st century. Priceless.
Should be played in every History class in all school
They werent called the Greatest Generation for nothing. I was fortunate enough to have been raised by a man from that generation who was a medic in the Pacific theatre. Thank you for your service John !!
Priceless account--sharp and eloquent eyewitness to history and a hero.
What a great interview. Mr. Luckadoo is still sharp as a razor.
I had a good friend who was a bombardier in the 100th BG. Unfortunately he has gone west several years ago.
He was on that Bremen mission in October ‘43 that Mr. Luckadoo refers to as his 22nd. He described it almost identically.
Thank you for this video and Thank You to all who defend our nation.
John did a good job explaining the harsh conditions of high altitude non pressurized flying. I knew the conditions were harsh but never knew how or what exactly they were like. Specially about the ice crystals forming around oxygen mask or their feet freexing to the rudder pedals. God Blessed America with fine brave young men and woman during a time of great despair the world over. May we never forget their sacrifice.
i can not believe those planes didnt have better heat systems. i cant imagine being 15,000 -30,000 feet with no heat. i was freezing in my 69 Plymouth with some pretty shitty heat and that was only 100 ft above sea level , I probably would have died at 15000.
One hell of an interview, you can clearly tell this is one sharp fella. Extreme amount of respect for this man and everyone like him. True hero’s whom are keeping this great history alive which is extremely important now days. Thank you for what you’ve done for this country and for many others around the world.
These so called -self proclaimed culture cancelists- cannot in any way cancel WWII or any war for that matter. Your statement is correct & true.
We saw Lucky a few weeks ago.
101 years old and he puts the younger generations to shame.
He is fit and he is sharp.
Extraordinary storied life and he was 21--22. My Dad was 26. When I look at our own children today, I know by the strength of our Dads and Moms of the Greatest Generation, we are capable of duty, honor, country, and defending democracy against any evil. You know Lucky was a talented pilot and natural leader.
When I see the amount of likes and comments for videos only a day old and then I see this posted back in April I feel dumbfounded.
This is one of the best WWII interviews I have come across. Maybe it displays the complete lack of interest the younger generations have in world history, 20th century history.
I never heard of or knew about co-pilots being relegated to the tail gun position until now. Lucky, if you're still around I'd love to meet you but I'm on the other side of the world so it won't happen mate. I loved hearing of your experience and your memories, mates included.
God bless you all.
God bless that man. He's a great American hero. What an outstanding interview but the last part of that video of him beside that airplane gave me chills. We've only heard a few of his experiences but I can't imagine the thoughts that go through his mind when he's next to a B-17. We should feel honored to be living during his lifetime
My Dad, Robert W. Wallace was a tailgunner on two B-17's, Lady Luck and Diana Queen of the Chase during WWII. He went overseas to England in August of 1944. He flew 35 missions out of Deenthorpe air base in England. He was suppose to fly 36 missions but was grounded after 35 because of a major hearing loss. As a result he was not allowed to return to the states with his crew but stayed at Deenthorpe until the end of the war working in the supply depot distributing oxygen masks to new crews coming in. He did not get to come home until May of 1945. He wasn't allowed to fly home because of his hearing loss and came home on the Queen Elizabeth. Ultimately he had a 100% loss of hearing in one ear and a 90% loss in the other. He taught himself to read lips and wore a hearing aid for the rest of his life. Despite all of that he returned to work at Continental oil refinery in Ponca City, Oklahoma. He had returned to his wife and 6 year old son and soon welcomed his daughter, me, into the world in Sept. of 1946. He was a great father and provider and I always looked at him as my hero.
This man makes me feel so humble , I salute you sir
Great story. God bless Lucky Luckadoo!
Thank you for bringing to us personal memories that will soon be gone forever
The eyewitness testimony of veterans like John are crucial to our understanding of those times. It's easy to wax nostalgic about the 'good war', when it was, in fact, a horror show that tried the mettle of everyone involved. Death was impersonal and so quick. Those guys deserve our respect and admiration. What a hell of a time they lived through.
Well said mate.
Unfortunately I do think its becoming a forgotten history which is never good. It is the biggest war the world has ever seen but it is as if the world has been desensitised to it.
We will remember them.
A good war doesn't surrender [Yalta sell-out] style] as we repeated in Korea Vietnam Afghanistan!
I.E. stuff the dumb-down P.C. educated don't/ can't think or talk about!
@@stevemitz4740 what were your alternate proposals. Please start with Yalta, then Korea or Vietnam or Afghanistan. It's easy to say absolutely nothing, as you just did. Saying exactly what you disapproved of helps.
@@stevek8829 Are you trying to exhibit, "Dumb-down education"? Your inability to see the Death & misery Godless psychotic, commie loving Democrat socialist FDR caused at Yalta, good luck I can't help you! Maybe try Googling, "Bush condemns Allies' division of Europe at Yalta.!" Maybe he can, "say absolutely something true!" But remember as George Orwell predicted about your type, "In the future 1984+ when the State tells you 2+2= 5, It's 5! Can you explain what he was "Saying"? George Patten Jr. knew & had the right idea about post war Russia, It's why he got accidented! I.E. something no Godless Democrat worshiping/ educated Cog (AS educator John Gatto calls you people) will ever comprehend! BUT their is always hope! Good luck!!!
@@stevemitz4740 as expected, all you have is rant! If you had the capability of forming a thought you could have said what SPECIFICALLY you disagree about any of the things you mentioned. And, perhaps, an alternate idea. I know you won't.
PS you can't even spell Patton. What would you have done at Yalta? Don't forget how powerful Stalin was and how he threatened a separate peace. It's easy to say something sucks, any UA-cam moron can do that.
The bravery of this man and his fellow comrades is something I can barely comprehend.
I’ve watched so many of these WWII gentlemen interviewed. Duty, honor, country, but most of all courage. Mr. Luckadoo has done two videos. In the Ward Carroll interview he was 100 y/o. His memory is flawless, as are his speech and diction.
My father was a B17 pilot. Shot down over Dieppe, France one month b4 D-Day, on his first mission. 4 months hidden by the French Underground. He never talked about it. I learned about it from some of his crew members who wrote about their experiences and they mentioned him. He died in 1983 at age 66. Alcohol!
The crew of the 358th Bomb Squadron Boeing B-17F 'Hell's Angels' completed its 25th mission on May 13, 1943. It became the first 8th Air Force B-17 to complete 25 combat missions. The "Memphis Belle" crew completed its 25th mission on May 17, 1943, four days after the 'Hell's Angels'
The B-24 “Hot Stuff” flew her 25th mission on 7 February, 1943, three-and-a-half months before Memphis Belle.
Yes, a B-24 did 25 first. But, Memphis Belle went Hollywood and that's what counts, even then.
Mr. Luckadoo is awesome true living history!!! He deserves ALL of our respect!!! I'm retired USAF of over 20 yrs. & I would have loved to sit down with him or any of the other flying heros of WWII!!! Their true stories are like gold for us to hear & learn from!!! Thank you SO MUCH Mr. Luckadoo!!!!
Wonderful to have Lucky's interview. My navigator Dad never spoke about his 1944 tour of 35+ missions out of Ridgewell GB to Europe, similar to Lucky's... except to say at his missons end he spent 3 weeks in Long Beach hospital with "Battle Fatigue." He made a career out of the Air Force post WW II and college degree completion. My Dad may have done something similar, as when the medical schools were filling up and had weird conditions like the interviewer asked... "was your father or uncle a doctor?" Since my Dad's answer was no, he wasn't admitted in to the one school he interviewed with. So he was heartbroken like Lucky. He went back into the new USAF right away at his former rank, maybe they needed more navigators then and spent a career 20+ yrs as a SAC navigator and then got out and went into Intelligence, to become an Intell commander, missed being re-called to 'Nam, and retired as a Lt. Col. Love you Dad! So proud!!
Unbelievable this guy is the coolest and sharpest old man, tough, lucid, still determined.
I agree! Lucky is extremely sharp! Such a gentleman
Regardless which side you're on you've got to admire the sheer tenacity of people like him
Thank you for your service Sir.
With Love and Respect from here in England.
My dad was also in the Eighth Air Force and was in England in 1942-1945. He loaded bombs on the plane and often spoke about the B 17s. I was never able to find out what bomber crew of which he was part . These videos have been so enlightening of what my dad saw and experienced.
Thank you for this interview and film. It was real and compassionate.
My father served as gunner in the Eighth Air Force, stationed in England. He passed away over 70 years ago when I had just turned two. I have never gotten over the loss.
The man, and the plane, from this thumbnail are lost to us forever. Thankful for these interviews to preserve their story
Lucky is still with us
Men like this are whom Heroes are made of!!! God bless our veterans 🙏
May we all stand TALL & UNITED!!!!
Thank you sir. Still sharp as a tack.
This was amazing. This man is amazing. 🙌 bravo old chap, bravo...
Excellent interview. What a great American. Thanks for posting this. I'd never have seen it if you hadn't.
Thank you very much John
As a former USAF troop, a son of a WW2 US Army SSgt, I am constantly amazed and unworthy when I see these stories. Lucky is the last or tail end of the GREATEST GENERATION. I am “ lucky” myself to be raised and in some way, connected to men of this character. Its why as now President of Oath Keepers USA , I do what I do. Because of THESE men who raised the bar for Americans!
Incredible story of courage, bravery and of service that needs heard by young ears to learn what sacrifice actually means.
My uncle Art lived to about 95. He flew 29 missions in B17 as a gunner in the bottom of plane below nose. A most remarkable miracle that he survived and lead a great life.
God bless all our heros: everyone who served in our military.
God bless this veteran, great video.
Men like Lucky humble me. WE are LUCKY to have had them fighting for us.
We really need to honor these HEROS as much as possible because this year (2021) is the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor which started WWII for America and these HEROS are passing on average 245 each day and it's sad because this is the Greatest Generation and we need to be picking their brains if they are willing to talk. My Grandfather was a P-47D pilot but WWII & Korea and Vietnam really got to him psychologically and drank himself to death in 1982 when I was only 11 so I didn't ever think of WWII and the veterans as I do today. I was a JAG lawyer in the Army for 20 years went to Abu Ghraib prison and did investigate US troops who did wrong
My grandfather survived the Bataan March and pow but sir these interviews is all about you and all your comrades who fought and sacrificed blood sweat and tears. From the bottom my heart and from all my relatives whos 2 uncles served in Vietnam and from my grandpa who served in Bataan, WE THANKYOU so much!👍🙏
Amazing man. Thanks for your service. A true patriot
Awesome. Thank you so much for your service
This is such a wonderful picture of terrible conditions to deal with. I am so amazed every time I watch anything that relates to that bloody war involving the B-17 Bombers. I am in awe as to the dedication of those men. This spotlights that particular theater and all the situations they faced. I spent time in Southeast Asia and was in Vietnam and I know a little about combat flying. We had the C-130's which were cargo ships but that didn't matter to the VC. They shot many of them when they landed to supply Army and Air Force bases. I was on a few when that happened. We were fortunate as well and survived to go home. I spent my 21st birthday in Vietnam so it's easy for me to listen to his description of all those missions. What they had to face was brutal. He mentioned 4 enemies. Fear, the cold, the German fighters and of course the flack. Almost more than is humanly possible. God bless all those men and women who have stood faithful to these United States of America. I salute you Sir. I enjoyed everything you spoke about.
So many young men 15-17 years old volunteered ( like my own father ). He tried to get my grandparents consent. My grandfather said he would, but grandma said no. She said that she wouldn’t give permission but if he could get in without it she wouldn’t stop him. He lied about his age and the Army took him in. I often look around these days and wonder how many 15-17 kids these days would do the same. Their service and sacrifice can never have enough thanks for what they did. Sadly, we are very near the day when they will all be gone.
Thank you Sir, please know there are many many who truly appreciate your service to this country, and consider you a treasure.
amazing story. Looking forward to purchase his memoir when it becomes available in April 2022
Having listened to this int im speechless. Thank you an a salute is all I have to give sir.
Thanks for a great interview. Thanks to those in all wars who sacrificed for our freedoms. We can’t be grateful enough.
Staggering, yet he is so humble and matter of fact .
To many of theses men failed to write their memoirs and their bravery has been lost, but they will live on in the collective memories of future generations,
Pretty hard to write about something you wish you could forget. Writing about what haunts you isn't what men usually do . Trying to readjust to life after all that was another full time effort in it self.
@@jimardizoni3453 as an ex servicemen from a military family and a member of a servicemen’s club, I found the vast majority of returned military personnel would share their experiences not only amoung themselves but also with others who showed genuine interest..
Often I heard that to forget is to also forget those who didn’t come home.
I was privileged enough to hear those stories, now there gone.
@@zeppy2732 I to appreciate their stories I grew up with a large group of relatives all in every branch of service. holiday picnics late at night the woman were keeping the kids close . The stories got as dark as the night. The pg.filters were off . All my uncles and father had some serious mental issues try to put it behind them .
@@jimardizoni3453 I can’t understand a person haunted by the horrors of war repeating those stories at night in the presence of children. I was referring to a recorded history in print, probably kept in the adult section of a library or book store.
@@zeppy2732 it was the 50s / 60s their help after ww2 was each other and alcohol. I misunderstood your orginal comment. I agree these stories need to be shared in print and taught in schools most importantly remembered!
Thank you. Excellent!
Unbelievable. Not many of these genuine heros left. I lived in Chattanooga and all my family still does. I know the exact area he is from.
Thank you for presenting/preserving history in the most visceral way possible. "Props" for doing this!
Wonderful documentary...amazing memories, so detailed...very modest guy...
So strong and still sharp, I do feel these veterans where build of better stuff.
I couldn’t agree more!!
What an awesome guy. Thanks so much
Interesting and enlightening to listen and learn from this vet's experience; really impresses with his recollection of dates and details that adds the depth to his story and the interview.
Living in the UK, I've met three former WWII airmen; two fighter Spitfire pilots and one navigator flying Mosquitos. One Spitfire pilot was a personal friend of my father's, nicknamed, Chips, a Battle of Britain pilot ~ one of Churchill's 'few,' and such an understated gentleman. His nickname evolved from surviving being shot down three times. Chips was also stationed in Malta as part of the defence of the island, which I learned about a couple of years ago; had no idea otherwise; a generation that perhaps will never be equalled again
A True Hero.... from the greatest generation and that is why.
Fascinating! All of it.
General Tibbets was guest speaker at our USAF Leadership School Graduation. All the staff were reminding us not to ask about the mission or the bomb. Well me and my lab partner, who also was very easy on the eyes, were playing some video game before the event started. Suddenly as the game finished, we were startled to find Gen Tibbets standing behind us watching. He asked us our names, thought the game was neat I think he said, asked what we do in the real Air Force and then proceeded to tell us about the brightest light he’d ever seen and some explosion. I believe the relevance was the game, Missile Defender I think, the little explosions. Great guy. So no, he had no regrets. And thank you all for your service and the efforts to save Enola Gay.
Cool story. I met Tibet’s three times and he was a great guy! Had no regrets and I loved that about him!!
He kept my air crew dad from more war, he lived, I was born. I thank those two B-29s to the max. They saved millions of Japanese lives as well.
"DAMN LUCKY!" - WHAT A STUD THIS MAN WAS. GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY. GOD BLESS EVERYONE THAT READS THIS. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
I live about 15min from Thorpe Abbott's.Fantastic memorial to all who served there.A very humbling experience.🇺🇲🇬🇧
Can't believe this fellow was teased by his crew.
I enjoyed every minute of his story, truly awesome!
1940 he was 18 makes him 99 in 2021 . He said he was 18 when he tried to enlist in Canada had to of been 1940 year before the USA got into the war. He’s very sharp
Wonderful stories. Thank you for your service sir!
Excellent video!!!
SO VERY INTERESTING TO WATCH & LISTEN TO. 'Lucky' was so sharp & so well-spoken in this VIDEO that I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Thank God for John Luckadoo and for all those who never got the chance to share their stories.
NO Bigger WW2 amateur Historian than myself .
LOVE this GUy
Got your book pre ordered. Cannot wait 😎
Great interview with an honorable man. Thank you Lucky for your service, and thank you Eric for the vid.
Any B17 pilots who were stationed in England still out there?
My moms significant other before she died was a man by the name of Frank Shields. He was a B17 pilot stationed there.
He told me that he and his crew reuped and ended up flying 52 missions over enemy territory. Great stories.
Every time I see a B17 I think of Frank, great man.
I always wonder if any of you guys ever knew him.
Any idea what state he was from?
Thank God for the Greatest Generation which my Dad was part of! He fought in 7 major Campaigns under Patton in the AAA, Artillery!! SALUTE!!
Fascinating incredible I’m speechless but THANKYOU so very much from one vet who didn’t see combat to someone who did I’m not worthy and many thanks over🙏🙏👍
I loved this!! God bless him and the "Greatest Generation!" Because of him and others, we as Americans have the freedoms we have!
Great interview of an American hero
Such an honor to hear Mr Luckadoo's story. Such a dignified warrior pilot! God bless you sir and all your Conrad's!
These guys had guts.
Wow some amazing stories he shared! Very grateful to have the oppertunity to hear them. Huge respect for him and the generation of Americans he was part of. Freedom isnt Free and God bless them all🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you for your service!! God bless you!!
You sir, are a true American Hero. Thank you!
Today, we have people who are hurt by words, do you think they could ever accomplish what these brave men did? We will never see a generation like them again!
Excellent interview!! What a great example of the “Greatest Generation”!! “Lucky” is so sharp,so articulate, makes me proud to be an American! His articulate explanation of the daily life of our heroic B-17 crews during WWII, is priceless!!!
If only I could see the world through your eyes. Whew.... I wish the video didn't end! Kudo's my friend, kudo's...
Thank you Erik for documenting this absolutely amazing man and his story!!!! and thank you for sharing!
Excellent. My father was too young to serve during the war. He did however live in london during it and was 14 when the war ended. Then went on to do national service in the RAF not long after. It"s really something, what all these young people went through during these years. Thanks and gratitude to all involved and to modern day service men and women too.
If this isn’t the New Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks World War II series that they’re doing for HBO I’m going to be so mad! This guy has one of the craziest stories!!!
Lucky is one of the coolest WW2
guys I’ve seen interviewed!
You should check out Jack Spratt. He has an amazing story about being shot down, all his missions, meeting Patton
God bless you sir. Thank you and all your Fellow flyers
srsly who can give it a dislike................ ?!
Men of ww2 are heros for all of us Americans. Thank you Sirs. You should be Knighted and Crowned to. God Lord Jesus bless you.
I have watched many interviews of B17 pilots. I consider this one the best of all, while they were all great this one of John stands out. Great job putting this together.
Live right down the road from "CXO" Conroe and have been in the hangar where she's kept while not touring.
Been all over inside her.
Dad was 101st Airborne on D-Day and would have loved to flown in the navigator's spot.....he was signal corpsman and a pilot.
"You not only had to face your morality of being a killer (or be killed), or your mortality as to whether you survive."
My father flew 52 missions in a B-17, some as Bombardier. He had nightmares for his entire life. I don't know how he did it.
A VERY good video. When I hear this gentleman relate his story, I honestly can't see our current generation of 18 and 19 year olds doing what this, our greatest generation did!
The "Military Industrial Complex" that Eisenhower warned of is firmly entrenched and is responsible for creating conflict that ensures its continued existence and profiting from death and destruction, turning war from the defense of Liberty and Freedom to nothing but a sick business venture lining the pockets of shadowy billionaires at the expense of not only US service personnel, but the sovereignty of democratically elected governments and the lives of countless innocent civillians, not to mention senseless destruction of infrastructure. For this, the American taxpayer is on the hook for a trillion dollars a year when the country faces no discernable threat other than those created by the Pentagon.
Very interesting a great man so brave.
Wow THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE my Dad & Uncle were both Marines My uncle was a pilot for 3 wars, my Dad was a Corsair mechanic.
a very impressive, insightful and articulate interview indeed. God bless you for your heroic service and congratulations your continued "luck" to live a long and full life after your invaluable service to our country after the war.