As someone who hasn’t served but loves to study these stories immensely, I’ve noticed this as a trend that many of vets nowadays remain humbled in the shadows of their predecessors. Glad that the greatness of these heroes have the same effect on our armed forces as it does myself, a civilian. Thank you for your service, devil dog!
Well of course. There’s a reason is the greatest Gen. era. Fighting a war based on an actual evil threat to the worlds. Not pointless Wars lies manipulations or Bs from the 60s-now. And I bet it helps not to have the internet or much education on matters.. So they weren’t as afraid. Invincible feeling kids. Then when bell came they were scared but did their jobs anyways. Because the world and their country was actually at stake.
Toby, I feel the same way. I served as an active duty Marine for 30 years, and I've always stood in awe of these men. Strapping yourself into a B-17 or B-24 for a mission over Nazi Germany took balls of tungsten.
I had the pleasure of meeting “Lucky” Luckadoo in May 2023 for the 100th Bomber Group get-together in Georgia. He is an amazing man. Hard to believe he’s 101 years old.
Well, Robert, if those old boys were anything like the 75th Fighter Group, that get-together must have been something else. When the 75th alumni (Flying Tigers) got together twenty years ago, the hotel had to send security up to the room to quiet these eighty-something-year old boys down. After dinner, Tex Hill excused himself from the table to, "go shake hands with the unemployed". You better believe these guys were tough!
My highest salute and thanks to this man and sooooooo many 100’s of thousands of others who fought not only for our freedom but for the freedom of so many more nations. We owe those who survives and who gave their lives much more than all of us could collectively pay.
My dad was in the 445th 8th Air Force. He was shot down Feb.24th 44 over Germany. They were headed to bomb a ball bearing factory. He was a radio operator on a liberator. He survived 18 months in 3 different stalag camps which I have letters he sent home to his parents. I know the name of every man on that plane and their fate. I miss him!❤
I’m a UK citizen my father was in WWII. The US Airforce suffered great loses. I salute you Sir and all your brave comrades. The UK will never forget your bravery and sacrifice. Thank you
I think they have mostly forgotten already, along with the majority of Americans. Those of us in both the UK and the States need to do what we can to help our countrymen remember the courage and sacrifice of these air crews. God bless you!
Don't ever forget that YOUR countrymen did the same missions also but you guys did it by day and night. Our country mainly bombed during the day. Which is harder? Who can say? In the day you can see what's coming at you and that would make someone terrified but at night you just don't know. Bravery was needed by all air crews and fighter pilots. Thank you, UK, for standing by us in Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
@@markbeames7852 No, depending on the target and mission need, the RAF also flew day operations as well. But as a rule of thumb the RAF flew mostly night missions.
I am "lucky" enough to have known Lucky for close to 20 years! He is a remarkable man, with 100% of his faculties to this day. I am so glad that Masters of the Air has made the story of the Eight Air Force known to a larger audience. He and his comrades were a remarkable cadre who helped save the world, I hope people realize the sacrifices' this generation made. Freedom is not free!
3:17 I can't help but shake my head at that. I served eight years active duty in USAF and went in after college as a 22 y/o. "Lucky" was 18 y/o and second in command of 4,000 young men being trained to fly and fight. Good god, the responsibility and maturity those "kids" had to shoulder. Immediately!! I'd like to think I could have handled it, but doubt it.
I'm of the GWOT generation. I love my fellow soldiers. We grew up fast and overcame a lot. But sometimes I do wonder if we ever could've risen to the challenge that generation faced
63% of the American men that fought WW2 were drafted. From 2001 - 2021 two wars were fought for an entire generation (20 years) with an all volunteer military. Think about that. Each generation rises to the occasion as able. @@2x2is22
I agree with you. I'm a combat vet from Vietnam and I wonder if I could have done what those men did. I guess you don't know what you can do until you have no choice.
This man is sharp, witty, and always on point. I've had the privilege of meeting him twice at the 100th Bomb Group reunions, and there isn't enough you can say about Lucky. God bless this man!
I can't say for certain, but I believe Mr Luckadoo is still alive. He will be 102 years old in March of 2024. What a true honor it would be to meet this absolute hero
I pray and thank all the veterans my dad and father in law were veterans and I support them every year for November 11 blessings to all you BRAVEST Warriors who beautiful men who fight to save us from anhighalation sorry about the spelling I had a year off school age 7 with polio❤see you all in heaven 🎉🎉
My uncle is a Vet from the Canadian "Corvette" Navy during the U-boat war. He is still alive and quite cognizant at 99 years old. I have utmost respect for these men. 👍
My grandfather was a B-17 pilot. There are so few of these men left, they are a national treasure. Thank you for this interview. I am glad its on film for eternity.
Fantastic story. I am a UK citizen My grandfather served in the Gordon Highlanders during World War II. Me my family enjoy the freedoms you and your comrades sacrificed for. Thank you.
Firstly, thank you for sharing your first hand experience of flying on missions during WW2. Truly heroic. I knew a WW2 Halifax bomber pilot called Steve Minette who was a close friend to my father and we spoke a lot over a coffee or a lunch in Montmartre where I grew up in the 1970’s/80’s. He passed away at 88 years of age in England in 2010, although after WW2 he lived in Paris as a painter, my father was a painter too and was 4 years younger and was only 18 in 1944. He avoided combat. He did 72 missions over occupied Europe. I remember all his stories… he crash landed twice once a mile from the north coast of England in the North sea and two crew drowned.. on takeoff with a overload of incendiary bombs. His right wing was cut off by an industrial chimney the Halifax crashed and he was ejected through the hatch on the roof of the cockpit! he broke both shoulders as he landed in a nearby marsh (soft ground) his crew all died. He was an incredible person. He had trouble getting his war veteran pension but eventually got it. He bombed Frankfurt on Oder near the Polish border and Clermont in Central France… a factory that produced armoured vehicles for the German army. On the mission his bombload left one bomb jammed in the bomb compartment which seconds later dislodged and fell on a house near the factory. 20 years later in Montmartre, he sold a painting to a man who then had a few drinks with him in a nearby bar just next to the place du Tertre (artists square). It happened to be the son of a bombing victim (mother) who died when the Michelin factory was bombed in WW2. Steve almost went white ! coincidences… I miss this generation who were classy and courageous. Compared to our peacetime era. He was always friendly, wore a type of silk scarf around his neck. Would say “Good Lord almighty, before saying hello” such a nice person. This generation was something special
Wow salute to Grandpa. Any type of door gunner position is the most dangerous of all positions ! He was a different kind of man.. 💪🫡 .. did you ever get to meet him?
Our Greatest Generation are some of the best people ever. And please continue to interview these men and ladies of all races. Recently, when I was in the doctor's office one of them who lives locally came into the office for a physical. He was tall and stated that he was 100 years old. I almost fell out of my chair. The man had his act together. Wish that some of my former students could have met him.
What the hell does “of all races” have to do with it? Pay attention to their channel. They have a lot of great interviews and the race of the person has nothing to do with it! Just such a ridiculous comment.
@@realwealthproperties5671Are self-identifying as a racist or just ignorant of context in a comment and need to go back to school? People of many races fought in world war II on the allied side and in order to fully understand it is a great thing to interview those still alive even down to the people working on the planes or serving food. Continuing to shed light on all aspects of such a horrible war is a good thing for future generations not to fall into another world war. Hell the show based off of his squadron pays homage to those who didn't fight but allow them to keep fighting.
@@rrmandrews You seriously missed the point. I thought the same thing about the "all races" comment. Written obviously by an academic steeped in the racial ideology cult. What does race have to do with it? It's like a fundamentalist religion, that someone has to see the world constantly through that lens, even when commenting about B-17 pilots. That's actually what people do who are uncomfortable with other races. You can see people as people, or you can divide them up by race, which is racist. Or you can just drop the subject of race entirely and stop drumming it up.
All the ppl that say they have met this man or any of those that served during WWII and the Pacific Theater are so fortunate….i love each and every one of them deeply…If you ever get the chance to go to a museum that has any of these airplanes they flew during that time would blow you away when you think of what they accomplished in these aircraft….
We can never adequately express our gratitude for the willingness to serve and the sacrifices which soldiers have made. I appreciate Major Luckadoo and all those who have served so valiantly on behalf of protecting others and preserving freedoms. ❤
My great grandpa was with the 390th His Name is Staff Seargant Sam Linn. His crew was called Baby Buggy II. They were called Baby Buggy cause not one of them was older than 19. He is the last living member of his crew and flew about 30 missions. Definitely a personal hero of mine
Thank you for your service. From one vet to another. You flyers and all servicemen from the greatest generation will always be my hero’s. The world is forever in debt to you for your sacrifices you made.
I’m a proud Granddaughter of a B24 nose gunner who flew 50 missions. I never understood why he never wanted to take about it, now I know he was suffering from PTSD. He was the most kind and caring grandfather. I miss him terribly.
Major Luckadoo, the bravery and sacrifice of aircrews during WWII will never be forgotten. Thank you sir for your service🫡. I highly recommend people read his book “Damn Lucky”.
Thank goodness this grand gentleman gave his time and testimony to enable us ALL to hear and appreciate his interview. Thank You Sir for all you sacrificed for our Us.
If you find yourself in Tucson, Arizona I strongly recommend a visit to the 390th Memorial Museum on the grounds of the Pima Air and Space Museum. If you are there on a Thursday all the better! Colonel Richard Bushong, who flew 28 combat missions over Europe in B17’s with the 390th Bomb Group (the 13th Combat Wing was composed of the 390th, the 95th and the “bloody” 100th Bomb Groups) has been a docent there since 1992 and works every Thursday. As a docent at this museum I have the honor and privilege of spending Thursdays with the colonel and his stories.
Men like this are part of the reason Tom Brokaw coined the term "The Greatest Generation" because they truly were. I am in the process of reading Masters of The Air right now. Absolutely great book and I did not realize that Jimmy Stewart flew as many combat missions as he did, and Clark Gable also flew some, and made a documentary series about it. There were two WWII veterans in our family. My father in law was USN & my brothers father in law was USMC, I feel truly fortunate to have heard their stories first hand. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!
My grandads brother was with 186sqn RAF bomber command flying similar missions on lancaster bombers by night and sometimes Day. Unfortunately he didn't survive being killed in February 45 attacking Dortmund. These men must have had nerves of steel. I'm endlessly grateful for what they did for our freedom and way of life. Another brilliant talk from a man who we owe the utmost respect.
My mother's cousin was a navigator on a B24 in the 15th Air Force in Italy, he survived 3 runs on the oil fields of Poleisti Romania among others but his luck ran out on their 20th mission on Aug 27th 1944, it was a run on a railroad bridge in Ferrara Italy, they were struck by the first shell in the #3 engine approximately 2 seconds after they released their bombs, approximately 2 seconds after that a 2nd shell hit the fuselage just forward of the bomb bay, him and six other crewmen never made it out of the plane, 3 guy's did but two of them died in German POW camps, only the pilot survived the war, but post mission reconnaissance photos showed they hit the bridge. So for 2nd Lt Virgil Davison and six other members of his crew the last thing they did in their lives was put their bombs on target, and that's why he's buried in Arlington Nation Cemetery among the other heroes.
They did not have nerves of steel. It was terrifying. I know that because of my father's experience. He was a B-17 command pilot in the 8th Air Force. He flew 36 combat missions. Mostly over Germany. And my uncle was a waste gunner in a B-17. He described for me, at my father's funeral reception, what it was like for a pilot, with a pilot's view, flying into the barrage of anti-aircraft flak from Hitler's 6000 big guns surrounding Berlin. He said it was absolutely terrifying. More so for a pilot, seeing it all, and other B-17's falling from the sky in clouds of smoke and flames. Only twice did my father speak of that, both times with precious few words. Two years before he passed away, I told him that he had said once, when I was a kid, that it was always sad to see one of those "big birds going down". He made a heart felt admission though, at the age of 78, when I brought it up, saying, "To tell you the truth, son, you were just glad it wasn't you." My father survived physically and emotionally, but not without deep seated effects that he absorbed. Others did much worse. Literally thousands of airmen were incapable of carrying on due to the mental and emotional injuries they suffered. They called it "combat fatigue" and had special serene places for airmen to go suffering from this, as they all must have in some way. So read between the lines. Understand what that really meant. My father, for example, had visceral reactions to the sight of blood, even small amounts of blood. One can imagine why, the things he went through but never spoke about. It was a long long flight home, after flak bursts had ripped through the planes and crew members. They would sometimes count the holes in the planes, hundreds. We can't imagine what it was like, the shock, the long flights, then landing, pulling the dead and dying out of those B-17s. And the blood, the torn bodies, flying with that for five hours back to England. My father never wanted or accepted his medals. Until near the end when I insisted he take them. The Distinguished Flying Cross and other medals came with citations of "extraordinary composure under combat conditions". But he knew better. The citations and medals meant nothing to him. He did what everybody did, he said. And the citations did not describe the most harrowing missions anyway, he told me. Finally, it must've been in 2000, he accepted his medals because he knew it made me extremely proud. I still am. As a Captain in the Army Air Force, my father turned 23 years old. We should thank them all, times one million, for saving the world.
Live not far from Thorpe Abbots Norfolk the home of the bloody 100th. Super museum been to many times.. I hope future generations here in UK maintain this and the many other 8th and 9th airforce base museums and memorials along with those of the RAF. Fantastic generation, men and women 👍🏻
The most accurate telling of air battle & bombing im WW2, this Sr is a Hero a national treasure. Hes tells the things like they where! Thanks for.posting this.
My dad was a mechanic on the bombers. He never told us anything until we flew to England and walked down the overgrown runways and saw hangers full of hay. You could smell and hear history! My mom was a war bride and telephone operator. Her stories were many!
I love hearing these true heroes speak, before they are all gone. true , true heroes, called upon as boys. I dont think anyone can truly appreciate what these boys did in these planes. as infantry or armor, you look your enemy in the face in your element as a mammal on land. I know things have been said, stupid things, but these boys had twice the guts as anyone youll ever meet in your life.
I Read his book and gleaned a thorough understanding of his military service, WWII and his great ordeal in the 8th. Air Force., it's not only miraculous but outstanding.
Dad was in the 100th Bomb Wing in the 60's "cold war" in the B47. So cool to hear about the "infamous" Bloody Hundredth". Dad was in the Pacific during ww2, and later Korean war, and Viet Nam. But the days with the 100th were very meaningful, keeping the peace.
The greatest generation. They had a job to do and they did it. Sheer will and determination and nothing was going to stop them from completing the mission for our country. Sir, thank you for your service.
Just wow! I served 21 yrs on us navy submarines and cant hold a candle to what these guys did! I just finished reading the book "masters of the air" that this hero talks about, and its as if YOU are inside the plane with them! Amazing what they endured!
Looking in from afar, Australia, but having grown up in Kent, England, I can only marvel at these brave men from every allied country that went out and put themselves on the line for our freedom🎉
They truly are the greatest generation. They lived through the Depression and a World War. I'm fortunate enough to have been raised by one from that generation, my dad served in the Pacific. It saddens me to see how far this country has fallen. These brave men fought for this country and now we are letting it slip through our fingers. I'm glad he's not alive to see it.
What an amazing interview, and we're so fortunate to be hearing this man's military story 80 years or so later. My own late dad was just a couple of years too young to have taken part in WW2 (turned 18 in '46). After high school he immediately went into the Army and was in the Occupation of Japan during most of his tour of duty. By the time Korea happened he was a family man with his first wife and at least one son. Luckily he was never in combat.
My dad was the left seat pilot in WWII of a B24 with 35 missions. He told me the same story of look to your left and to your right, one of you won’t come back. That and few other stories. He would always say two things, “War is Hell” and “ Your really not in any trouble if their not shooting at you”. The second saying an interesting toughness after the 35 missions in combat. Regarding flak, he had an iron plate under his seat cushion so he wouldn’t take one up the A$$.
I have been fortunate to have met and spoken with Major Luckadoo at the 8th Air Force Museum in Pooler, GA back a few years ago. My great great uncle was also a co-pilot in the 100th and knew Major Luckadoo. My uncle was KIA over Stutgartt on the 9/6/43 raid. He and Major Luckadoo went to OTS at Moody Field (now Moody AFB) in Valdosta, GA.
A national or international treasure even! Thank you sir for your service to the free world. I hope your post war life was peaceful and lived to the absolute most, you more than earned it. Thank you again❤️
Thankyou , all of theise men need to be remembered .I watch alot of yhe 101st airborne . But it was all of you . They dhould do one on all your piolites and crews in yheis planes . Its pearl harbor anniversary . In gratitude to uou all yhankyou To all in Ww1 ww2 .
My father was a navigator in the RCAF 427 Squadron, spoke very little about what he went through. His happy moments were telling us kids over a Sunday dinner about all the amazing people in his squad! Thank you to those who have gone through this for our countries, I know each one has left behind a piece of themselves for sure!
What an incredible gentleman, I never tire of listening to their experiences. It astounds me that there are veterans who not only survive (perhaps physically) one world war and for those who survive multiple wars, I am in awe of the survivability. Thank you.
Astounding the epic Courage, Skill of these Pilots, Crews, Soldiers. Grateful for their Service that saved a World and Generations for Freedom. and the unending Generosity to Share their Stories. Thank You.
My wife and daughters and I got to chat with Lucky last year for a couple of hours. They gave him a B-17 they drew and colored and some warm fuzzy socks because they heard about the stort where his feet got frostbite. He was so much fun to visit with. I admire men like him so much for what they were able to do and the resilience they showed.
Such a great interview. John is one helluva man. Kudos to the team for setting up and filming this with such good quality lighting, lens selection, editing, wardrobe and backdrop. Can't wait to see Masters of the Air after reading the book as well as Luck of the Draw. Thank you Greatest Generation.
One of the last few survivors of that time, this man has lived a life none of us could imagine from war and politics to religion and information. Thank you sir and every man who served with you for making the world what it is today
😊Very enjoyable interview. Not to nitpick as I can barely remember yesterday, much less 70 years ago, but the USS Washington was not an old WWI ship but in fact a new battleship laid down in the late 1930's. My father came back on it in late December of 1945. They had the misfortune to be caught in a terrible storm and when they arrived safely on the east coast the Captain announced it was the worst storm he had experienced in his 36 year navel career. That aside, my father said it was MUCH nicer than the Belgian livestock ship he went to England on to start the war. My father passed in 2012. I used to know so many WWII veterans. The last one passed in 2021 just a few hours before his 100th birthday. We will never see their likes again. Such brave men, and some women as well.
I would follow this man into the heart of darkness and beyond. What a loss to no longer have him in service, but a retirement earned untold number of times.
BAND OF BROTHERS > THE PACIFIC > MASTERS OF THE AIR , we know that it'll be another masterpiece ! Finally the air boys will have some "air" time, fkin well deserved . . . if wasn't for theirs sacrifice, the war would be lost, and we know how everything would be now cuz of the series "The man in the high castle", a nazi nightmare.
GOD Bless you sir, QuadrupleQuadruple brave man I honour you to the last least we forgetI humbly and unreservedly salute you 😐 Least we forget the least we forget
I’m a former Marine and all the bravado that we claim. But these men of the 8th Air Force take my breath with their bravery.
As someone who hasn’t served but loves to study these stories immensely, I’ve noticed this as a trend that many of vets nowadays remain humbled in the shadows of their predecessors. Glad that the greatness of these heroes have the same effect on our armed forces as it does myself, a civilian. Thank you for your service, devil dog!
There's no such thing as a "former marine."
your still a MARINE!!!!
Well of course. There’s a reason is the greatest Gen. era. Fighting a war based on an actual evil threat to the worlds. Not pointless Wars lies manipulations or Bs from the 60s-now. And I bet it helps not to have the internet or much education on matters.. So they weren’t as afraid. Invincible feeling kids. Then when bell came they were scared but did their jobs anyways. Because the world and their country was actually at stake.
Toby, I feel the same way. I served as an active duty Marine for 30 years, and I've always stood in awe of these men. Strapping yourself into a B-17 or B-24 for a mission over Nazi Germany took balls of tungsten.
I had the pleasure of meeting “Lucky” Luckadoo in May 2023 for the 100th Bomber Group get-together in Georgia. He is an amazing man. Hard to believe he’s 101 years old.
Surely, they are the Greatest Generation - we will not see their like again!
He still sharp and wearing no glasses. Hats off to the guys we as younger people must keep there stories alive for generations of next young people
maybe all that cold air preserved him.
Well, Robert, if those old boys were anything like the 75th Fighter Group, that get-together must have been something else. When the 75th alumni (Flying Tigers) got together twenty years ago, the hotel had to send security up to the room to quiet these eighty-something-year old boys down.
After dinner, Tex Hill excused himself from the table to, "go shake hands with the unemployed".
You better believe these guys were tough!
My highest salute and thanks to this man and sooooooo many 100’s of thousands of others who fought not only for our freedom but for the freedom of so many more nations. We owe those who survives and who gave their lives much more than all of us could collectively pay.
My dad was in the 445th 8th Air Force. He was shot down Feb.24th 44 over Germany. They were headed to bomb a ball bearing factory. He was a radio operator on a liberator. He survived 18 months in 3 different stalag camps which I have letters he sent home to his parents. I know the name of every man on that plane and their fate. I miss him!❤
I’m a UK citizen my father was in WWII. The US Airforce suffered great loses. I salute you Sir and all your brave comrades. The UK will never forget your bravery and sacrifice. Thank you
I think they have mostly forgotten already, along with the majority of Americans. Those of us in both the UK and the States need to do what we can to help our countrymen remember the courage and sacrifice of these air crews. God bless you!
Don't ever forget that YOUR countrymen did the same missions also but you guys did it by day and night. Our country mainly bombed during the day. Which is harder? Who can say? In the day you can see what's coming at you and that would make someone terrified but at night you just don't know. Bravery was needed by all air crews and fighter pilots. Thank you, UK, for standing by us in Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
The RAF didn't fly daytime ops. The USAAF did. @@pfdrtom
At the start of the worthy did a few, I believe.@@markbeames7852
@@markbeames7852 No, depending on the target and mission need, the RAF also flew day operations as well. But as a rule of thumb the RAF flew mostly night missions.
I am "lucky" enough to have known Lucky for close to 20 years! He is a remarkable man, with 100% of his faculties to this day. I am so glad that Masters of the Air has made the story of the Eight Air Force known to a larger audience. He and his comrades were a remarkable cadre who helped save the world, I hope people realize the sacrifices' this generation made. Freedom is not free!
Bè si lei è un uomo fortunato, a conoscere, una persona del genere. Intelligentissimo.
I just wished they would have added him in the series
3:17 I can't help but shake my head at that. I served eight years active duty in USAF and went in after college as a 22 y/o. "Lucky" was 18 y/o and second in command of 4,000 young men being trained to fly and fight. Good god, the responsibility and maturity those "kids" had to shoulder. Immediately!! I'd like to think I could have handled it, but doubt it.
I'm of the GWOT generation. I love my fellow soldiers. We grew up fast and overcame a lot. But sometimes I do wonder if we ever could've risen to the challenge that generation faced
63% of the American men that fought WW2 were drafted. From 2001 - 2021 two wars were fought for an entire generation (20 years) with an all volunteer military. Think about that. Each generation rises to the occasion as able. @@2x2is22
I agree with you. I'm a combat vet from Vietnam and I wonder if I could have done what those men did. I guess you don't know what you can do until you have no choice.
@@charleskosmerl2504 🎯💯
4000 in a squadron? Ever looked at the 1943 rosters of a Bomb Squadron?
My Grandma was a Rosie the Rivetter and helped assemble B17s cause she was so tiny she could fit where no one else could. Thank you Grandma. RIP.
This man is sharp, witty, and always on point. I've had the privilege of meeting him twice at the 100th Bomb Group reunions, and there isn't enough you can say about Lucky. God bless this man!
He’d be a much better president than the moron we have now.
I feel like he is the last of his kind. Sometimes I also feel like I was born in the wrong generation with the direction things are turning
I can't say for certain, but I believe Mr Luckadoo is still alive. He will be 102 years old in March of 2024. What a true honor it would be to meet this absolute hero
He lives about two miles from me!
I pray and thank all the veterans my dad and father in law were veterans and I support them every year for November 11 blessings to all you BRAVEST Warriors who beautiful men who fight to save us from anhighalation sorry about the spelling I had a year off school age 7 with polio❤see you all in heaven 🎉🎉
My uncle is a Vet from the Canadian "Corvette" Navy during the U-boat war. He is still alive and quite cognizant at 99 years old. I have utmost respect for these men. 👍
My grandfather was a B-17 pilot. There are so few of these men left, they are a national treasure. Thank you for this interview. I am glad its on film for eternity.
Fantastic story. I am a UK citizen My grandfather served in the Gordon Highlanders during World War II. Me my family enjoy the freedoms you and your comrades sacrificed for. Thank you.
We ALL do,…
Mine too - in the 5th/7th Gordon Highlanders!
Firstly, thank you for sharing your first hand experience of flying on missions during WW2. Truly heroic.
I knew a WW2 Halifax bomber pilot called Steve Minette who was a close friend to my father and we spoke a lot over a coffee or a lunch in Montmartre where I grew up in the 1970’s/80’s. He passed away at 88 years of age in England in 2010, although after WW2 he lived in Paris as a painter, my father was a painter too and was 4 years younger and was only 18 in 1944. He avoided combat. He did 72 missions over occupied Europe. I remember all his stories… he crash landed twice once a mile from the north coast of England in the North sea and two crew drowned.. on takeoff with a overload of incendiary bombs. His right wing was cut off by an industrial chimney the Halifax crashed and he was ejected through the hatch on the roof of the cockpit! he broke both shoulders as he landed in a nearby marsh (soft ground) his crew all died. He was an incredible person. He had trouble getting his war veteran pension but eventually got it. He bombed Frankfurt on Oder near the Polish border and Clermont in Central France… a factory that produced armoured vehicles for the German army. On the mission his bombload left one bomb jammed in the bomb compartment which seconds later dislodged and fell on a house near the factory. 20 years later in Montmartre, he sold a painting to a man who then had a few drinks with him in a nearby bar just next to the place du Tertre (artists square). It happened to be the son of a bombing victim (mother) who died when the Michelin factory was bombed in WW2. Steve almost went white ! coincidences…
I miss this generation who were classy and courageous. Compared to our peacetime era. He was always friendly, wore a type of silk scarf around his neck. Would say “Good Lord almighty, before saying hello” such a nice person. This generation was something special
My grandpa was a rear radio operating gunner in a B-29 Bomber, completed 30 missions over the pacific.
Wow salute to Grandpa. Any type of door gunner position is the most dangerous of all positions ! He was a different kind of man.. 💪🫡 .. did you ever get to meet him?
@@NicoleAC-PhD i haven’t met him. He died from a heart attack when my dad was in his teens
@kylegawron5358 Sorry to hear that. Good on you for keeping his name,honor, and memory alive! 🙏🏽
I offer my sincere thanks to your grandad . 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
Damn that is crazy! Thanks for sharing. God bless your grandpa 🇺🇸🦅🙏🏻
Our Greatest Generation are some of the best people ever. And please continue to interview these men and ladies of all races. Recently, when I was in the doctor's office one of them who lives locally came into the office for a physical. He was tall and stated that he was 100 years old. I almost fell out of my chair. The man had his act together. Wish that some of my former students could have met him.
What the hell does “of all races” have to do with it? Pay attention to their channel. They have a lot of great interviews and the race of the person has nothing to do with it! Just such a ridiculous comment.
@@realwealthproperties5671Are self-identifying as a racist or just ignorant of context in a comment and need to go back to school? People of many races fought in world war II on the allied side and in order to fully understand it is a great thing to interview those still alive even down to the people working on the planes or serving food. Continuing to shed light on all aspects of such a horrible war is a good thing for future generations not to fall into another world war. Hell the show based off of his squadron pays homage to those who didn't fight but allow them to keep fighting.
@@rrmandrews You seriously missed the point. I thought the same thing about the "all races" comment. Written obviously by an academic steeped in the racial ideology cult. What does race have to do with it? It's like a fundamentalist religion, that someone has to see the world constantly through that lens, even when commenting about B-17 pilots. That's actually what people do who are uncomfortable with other races. You can see people as people, or you can divide them up by race, which is racist. Or you can just drop the subject of race entirely and stop drumming it up.
All the ppl that say they have met this man or any of those that served during WWII and the Pacific Theater are so fortunate….i love each and every one of them deeply…If you ever get the chance to go to a museum that has any of these airplanes they flew during that time would blow you away when you think of what they accomplished in these aircraft….
We can never adequately express our gratitude for the willingness to serve and the sacrifices which soldiers have made. I appreciate Major Luckadoo and all those who have served so valiantly on behalf of protecting others and preserving freedoms. ❤
My great grandpa was with the 390th His Name is Staff Seargant Sam Linn. His crew was called Baby Buggy II. They were called Baby Buggy cause not one of them was older than 19. He is the last living member of his crew and flew about 30 missions. Definitely a personal hero of mine
Thank you for your service. From one vet to another. You flyers and all servicemen from the greatest generation will always be my hero’s. The world is forever in debt to you for your sacrifices you made.
Just don't vote for Trump or we'll have a fascist gov't right here in America.
I’m a proud Granddaughter of a B24 nose gunner who flew 50 missions. I never understood why he never wanted to take about it, now I know he was suffering from PTSD. He was the most kind and caring grandfather. I miss him terribly.
😢❤
Major Luckadoo, the bravery and sacrifice of aircrews during WWII will never be forgotten. Thank you sir for your service🫡. I highly recommend people read his book “Damn Lucky”.
My mother-in-law married Larry Lookadoo.
Very good book, his statement of being "citizen soldiers" is a great way of explaining the situation he and many soldiers were in.
God bless that man and all his generation!
It's incredible how much this man still has mentally at his age. There aren't many of his fellows left. Thabks for the interview.
Thank you is not enough to say.
We are grateful for men like you.
Still my words seem not to be enough.
Thank goodness this grand gentleman gave his time and testimony to enable us ALL to hear and appreciate his interview.
Thank You Sir for all you sacrificed for our
Us.
Thanks to all our Veterans who served.
you're welcome. Thanks for the acknowledgment. Much appreciated.
If you find yourself in Tucson, Arizona I strongly recommend a visit to the 390th Memorial Museum on the grounds of the Pima Air and Space Museum. If you are there on a Thursday all the better! Colonel Richard Bushong, who flew 28 combat missions over Europe in B17’s with the 390th Bomb Group (the 13th Combat Wing was composed of the 390th, the 95th and the “bloody” 100th Bomb Groups) has been a docent there since 1992 and works every Thursday. As a docent at this museum I have the honor and privilege of spending Thursdays with the colonel and his stories.
I feel so insignificant when I listen to the stories of these great men. God bless these men, their bravery and their moral compass.
Men like this are part of the reason Tom Brokaw coined the term "The Greatest Generation" because they truly were. I am in the process of reading Masters of The Air right now. Absolutely great book and I did not realize that Jimmy Stewart flew as many combat missions as he did, and Clark Gable also flew some, and made a documentary series about it. There were two WWII veterans in our family. My father in law was USN & my brothers father in law was USMC, I feel truly fortunate to have heard their stories first hand. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!
My grandads brother was with 186sqn RAF bomber command flying similar missions on lancaster bombers by night and sometimes Day. Unfortunately he didn't survive being killed in February 45 attacking Dortmund. These men must have had nerves of steel. I'm endlessly grateful for what they did for our freedom and way of life. Another brilliant talk from a man who we owe the utmost respect.
My mother's cousin was a navigator on a B24 in the 15th Air Force in Italy, he survived 3 runs on the oil fields of Poleisti Romania among others but his luck ran out on their 20th mission on Aug 27th 1944, it was a run on a railroad bridge in Ferrara Italy, they were struck by the first shell in the #3 engine approximately 2 seconds after they released their bombs, approximately 2 seconds after that a 2nd shell hit the fuselage just forward of the bomb bay, him and six other crewmen never made it out of the plane, 3 guy's did but two of them died in German POW camps, only the pilot survived the war, but post mission reconnaissance photos showed they hit the bridge.
So for 2nd Lt Virgil Davison and six other members of his crew the last thing they did in their lives was put their bombs on target, and that's why he's buried in Arlington Nation Cemetery among the other heroes.
They did not have nerves of steel. It was terrifying. I know that because of my father's experience. He was a B-17 command pilot in the 8th Air Force. He flew 36 combat missions. Mostly over Germany. And my uncle was a waste gunner in a B-17. He described for me, at my father's funeral reception, what it was like for a pilot, with a pilot's view, flying into the barrage of anti-aircraft flak from Hitler's 6000 big guns surrounding Berlin. He said it was absolutely terrifying. More so for a pilot, seeing it all, and other B-17's falling from the sky in clouds of smoke and flames. Only twice did my father speak of that, both times with precious few words. Two years before he passed away, I told him that he had said once, when I was a kid, that it was always sad to see one of those "big birds going down". He made a heart felt admission though, at the age of 78, when I brought it up, saying, "To tell you the truth, son, you were just glad it wasn't you."
My father survived physically and emotionally, but not without deep seated effects that he absorbed. Others did much worse. Literally thousands of airmen were incapable of carrying on due to the mental and emotional injuries they suffered. They called it "combat fatigue" and had special serene places for airmen to go suffering from this, as they all must have in some way. So read between the lines. Understand what that really meant. My father, for example, had visceral reactions to the sight of blood, even small amounts of blood. One can imagine why, the things he went through but never spoke about. It was a long long flight home, after flak bursts had ripped through the planes and crew members. They would sometimes count the holes in the planes, hundreds. We can't imagine what it was like, the shock, the long flights, then landing, pulling the dead and dying out of those B-17s. And the blood, the torn bodies, flying with that for five hours back to England.
My father never wanted or accepted his medals. Until near the end when I insisted he take them. The Distinguished Flying Cross and other medals came with citations of "extraordinary composure under combat conditions". But he knew better. The citations and medals meant nothing to him. He did what everybody did, he said. And the citations did not describe the most harrowing missions anyway, he told me. Finally, it must've been in 2000, he accepted his medals because he knew it made me extremely proud. I still am.
As a Captain in the Army Air Force, my father turned 23 years old.
We should thank them all, times one million, for saving the world.
Live not far from Thorpe Abbots Norfolk the home of the bloody 100th. Super museum been to many times.. I hope future generations here in UK maintain this and the many other 8th and 9th airforce base museums and memorials along with those of the RAF. Fantastic generation, men and women 👍🏻
God Bless you Sir !!! Thank you for your courage, sacrifice and service for Freedom 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Looking good and sounding good for 101! Thank you, John.
It's hard to comprehend men this intelligent and brave. It brings a tear to my eye just watching him tell his story.
The most accurate telling of air battle & bombing im WW2, this Sr is a Hero a national treasure. Hes tells the things like they where! Thanks for.posting this.
My dad was a mechanic on the bombers. He never told us anything until we flew to England and walked down the
overgrown runways and saw hangers full of hay. You could smell and hear history! My mom was a war bride and telephone operator. Her stories were many!
Very interesting 👌 👍 🤔 and very informative 👌 👍 🤔
2/3 losses on one raid. This man survived it all.saw his lead Ops manager rammed. He survived the bloody 100th, the BOB of the Air war, Hero.
Thank you for your service. God Bless your generation.
I love hearing these true heroes speak, before they are all gone. true , true heroes, called upon as boys. I dont think anyone can truly appreciate what these boys did in these planes. as infantry or armor, you look your enemy in the face in your element as a mammal on land. I know things have been said, stupid things, but these boys had twice the guts as anyone youll ever meet in your life.
I Read his book and gleaned a thorough understanding of his military service, WWII and his great ordeal in the 8th. Air Force., it's not only miraculous but outstanding.
Dad was in the 100th Bomb Wing in the 60's "cold war" in the B47. So cool to hear about the "infamous" Bloody Hundredth". Dad was in the Pacific during ww2, and later Korean war, and Viet Nam. But the days with the 100th were very meaningful, keeping the peace.
The greatest generation. They had a job to do and they did it. Sheer will and determination and nothing was going to stop them from completing the mission for our country. Sir, thank you for your service.
Thank you sir Sooooo much for your service! As a former Marine 99-08 I can’t thank you enough for paving the way for us!
Just wow! I served 21 yrs on us navy submarines and cant hold a candle to what these guys did! I just finished reading the book "masters of the air" that this hero talks about, and its as if YOU are inside the plane with them! Amazing what they endured!
Looking in from afar, Australia, but having grown up in Kent, England, I can only marvel at these brave men from every allied country that went out and put themselves on the line for our freedom🎉
Me too.
Sheerness.
Lucky country.
Yes, they were stoic selfless heroes.
Lest we forget.
🦘🇦🇺👍
They truly are the greatest generation. They lived through the Depression and a World War. I'm fortunate enough to have been raised by one from that generation, my dad served in the Pacific. It saddens me to see how far this country has fallen. These brave men fought for this country and now we are letting it slip through our fingers. I'm glad he's not alive to see it.
What an amazing interview, and we're so fortunate to be hearing this man's military story 80 years or so later.
My own late dad was just a couple of years too young to have taken part in WW2 (turned 18 in '46). After high school he immediately went into the Army and was in the Occupation of Japan during most of his tour of duty. By the time Korea happened he was a family man with his first wife and at least one son. Luckily he was never in combat.
Thank you for your service Major Luckadoo! You are a Hero to me! Another excellent interview by Mr. Greg Corombos!
My dad was the left seat pilot in WWII of a B24 with 35 missions. He told me the same story of look to your left and to your right, one of you won’t come back. That and few other stories. He would always say two things, “War is Hell” and “ Your really not in any trouble if their not shooting at you”. The second saying an interesting toughness after the 35 missions in combat.
Regarding flak, he had an iron plate under his seat cushion so he wouldn’t take one up the A$$.
I have been fortunate to have met and spoken with Major Luckadoo at the 8th Air Force Museum in Pooler, GA back a few years ago. My great great uncle was also a co-pilot in the 100th and knew Major Luckadoo. My uncle was KIA over Stutgartt on the 9/6/43 raid. He and Major Luckadoo went to OTS at Moody Field (now Moody AFB) in Valdosta, GA.
Thank you, hero!
Thank you sir, for all your sacrifices. Thank you so much for your service.
Truly BRAVE men on really DANGEROUS MISSIONS .....the world owe them a great debt of gratitude 🙏
Very interesting and Real. Thank You for your Service and Recollections.❤️🔥🇺🇲
I wish i could meet him. Ive never met a veteran. Thanks for volunteering to be a warrior while being only a very young man. Thank you!
Thank you sir
Thanks for watching!
What an amazing speaking voice and speaker. Thanks for your service sir.
A national or international treasure even! Thank you sir for your service to the free world. I hope your post war life was peaceful and lived to the absolute most, you more than earned it. Thank you again❤️
Incredible feats by all.....Icons....every one!!! Thank you, Lucky! 1LT Barry Cohen, USAF Pilot Veteran
Thankyou , all of theise men need to be remembered .I watch alot of yhe 101st airborne . But it was all of you .
They dhould do one on all your piolites and crews in yheis planes .
Its pearl harbor anniversary .
In gratitude to uou all yhankyou
To all in Ww1 ww2 .
We love you, Lucky!
OMG! I assumed this was an interview from the 90’s or early 2000’s!
It’s incredible to know this American Hero is going strong! He is Amazing!!!!
My father was a navigator in the RCAF 427 Squadron, spoke very little about what he went through. His happy moments were telling us kids over a Sunday dinner about all the amazing people in his squad! Thank you to those who have gone through this for our countries, I know each one has left behind a piece of themselves for sure!
What an incredible gentleman, I never tire of listening to their experiences. It astounds me that there are veterans who not only survive (perhaps physically) one world war and for those who survive multiple wars, I am in awe of the survivability. Thank you.
Amazing stories ... awesome!
Such a wonderfully interesting story. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
My grandfather’s brother was on a ‘17, he flew 85 missions 3 in the waist and 82 in the tail.
👍 tremendous respect, gratitude, and admiration! Thank you for your service!
Amazing story of one of our infamous war heroes Thank you ever so much for sharing
I really love listening to him!!!!
Astounding the epic Courage, Skill of these Pilots, Crews, Soldiers. Grateful for their Service that saved a World and Generations for Freedom.
and the unending Generosity to Share their Stories. Thank You.
Wow. This man is awesome. As an armor crewman, I relate to alot of what he is talking about. Would have followed him anywhere.🇺🇸
My wife and daughters and I got to chat with Lucky last year for a couple of hours. They gave him a B-17 they drew and colored and some warm fuzzy socks because they heard about the stort where his feet got frostbite. He was so much fun to visit with. I admire men like him so much for what they were able to do and the resilience they showed.
Thank you Sir. for all you did. But more important thank-you for your service Roger Doan.
Such a great interview. John is one helluva man. Kudos to the team for setting up and filming this with such good quality lighting, lens selection, editing, wardrobe and backdrop. Can't wait to see Masters of the Air after reading the book as well as Luck of the Draw. Thank you Greatest Generation.
Thank you for your service Lucky!! Wow.
Thank you Sir for your service and sharing your story with the next generation!!! Excellent book!!!
Respect. From Brazil.
One of the last few survivors of that time, this man has lived a life none of us could imagine from war and politics to religion and information. Thank you sir and every man who served with you for making the world what it is today
Amazing interview.. So thankful these WWII oral histories are still being recorded
I'm from montgomery. Maxwell is pretty important to our town. It's pretty cool that he trained there
immense respect SIR. thank you
Excellent interview!!
This Sr its the most accurate portrait of BRAVERY.
THANKYOU FOR YOUR SERVICE !!
Woooow! Thanks for sharing sir!
God bless you ❤
God Bless you sir , and thank you very much for my freedom !!!!
A Great interview,, Very interesting indeed 👍
😊Very enjoyable interview. Not to nitpick as I can barely remember yesterday, much less 70 years ago, but the USS Washington was not an old WWI ship but in fact a new battleship laid down in the late 1930's. My father came back on it in late December of 1945. They had the misfortune to be caught in a terrible storm and when they arrived safely on the east coast the Captain announced it was the worst storm he had experienced in his 36 year navel career. That aside, my father said it was MUCH nicer than the Belgian livestock ship he went to England on to start the war.
My father passed in 2012. I used to know so many WWII veterans. The last one passed in 2021 just a few hours before his 100th birthday. We will never see their likes again. Such brave men, and some women as well.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Washington_(ACR-11)
ACR-11 USS Washington had been renamed USS Seattle in 1916, so who knows.
Highly unlikely they would use a battleship as a troop transport.
Huge respect. Thank you for serving sir.
Thank you for sharing Major Luckadoo. 🇺🇸🫡
I would follow this man into the heart of darkness and beyond.
What a loss to no longer have him in service, but a retirement earned untold number of times.
BAND OF BROTHERS > THE PACIFIC > MASTERS OF THE AIR , we know that it'll be another masterpiece ! Finally the air boys will have some "air" time, fkin well deserved . . . if wasn't for theirs sacrifice, the war would be lost, and we know how everything would be now cuz of the series "The man in the high castle", a nazi nightmare.
Thank you for your service ,hat of to all the courage people who served the country
An amazing and riveting story, thank you sir for your service and sacrifices
GOD Bless you sir, QuadrupleQuadruple brave man I honour you to the last least we forgetI humbly and unreservedly salute you 😐 Least we forget the least we forget
Thank you and all your Brothers in arms for what y'all did for future generations of Americans and the world.
My dad’s first cousin was Gale “Buck” Cleven. I am absolutely amazed at what these young men went through and experienced.
Bless this man and all the brave countless others that loved our great nation 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸