MASTERS OF THE AIR | Bloody Hundredth | 8th Air Force | John "Lucky" Luckadoo

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
  • John "Lucky" Luckadoo was eager to get into the war after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and enlisted alongside his college classmates early in 1942.
    Luckadoo would complete flight training and go on to serve in the 8th Air Force in one of the first units to take the fight to Germany, the 100th Bomb Group, known as the "Bloody Hundredth" based at Thorpe Abbotts, England.
    Lucky would serve as pilot and copilot aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress and fly 25 death-defying combat missions over France and Germany from June to October, 1943. He was among the first of the American bomber boys to survive 25 missions.
    On March 16, 2023 John "Lucky" Luckadoo celebrated his 101st birthday. He is among the last living WWII pilots from the "Bloody Hundredth," the outfit portrayed in Masters of the Air.
    Interview recorded on November 3, 2023
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    Video Credits:
    Interviewer - Greg Corombos
    Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
    Editor - Daniel Taksas

ความคิดเห็น • 325

  • @brianl9740
    @brianl9740 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    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$$.

  • @Ty-tie_FTW
    @Ty-tie_FTW 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +31

    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

    • @VIDS2013
      @VIDS2013 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      He lives about two miles from me!

  • @troykauffman3963
    @troykauffman3963 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +43

    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”.

    • @CheckThisOut77
      @CheckThisOut77 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      My mother-in-law married Larry Lookadoo.

    • @dwp1970
      @dwp1970 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Very good book, his statement of being "citizen soldiers" is a great way of explaining the situation he and many soldiers were in.

  • @michaelb1348
    @michaelb1348 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I feel so insignificant when I listen to the stories of these great men. God bless these men, their bravery and their moral compass.

  • @robertweingartner2055
    @robertweingartner2055 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +290

    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.

    • @brettcurtis5710
      @brettcurtis5710 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +25

      Surely, they are the Greatest Generation - we will not see their like again!

    • @beedalton9675
      @beedalton9675 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

      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

    • @signalnine2601
      @signalnine2601 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      maybe all that cold air preserved him.

    • @seabrookthemagnificent9580
      @seabrookthemagnificent9580 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      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!

    • @the_real_mister_ed
      @the_real_mister_ed 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      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.

  • @markbeames7852
    @markbeames7852 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +78

    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.

    • @2x2is22
      @2x2is22 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      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

    • @markbeames7852
      @markbeames7852 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      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

    • @charleskosmerl2504
      @charleskosmerl2504 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      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.

    • @teddy.d174
      @teddy.d174 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@charleskosmerl2504 🎯💯

    • @Tld-lp9ej
      @Tld-lp9ej 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      4000 in a squadron? Ever looked at the 1943 rosters of a Bomb Squadron?

  • @DRFelGood
    @DRFelGood 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +26

    God Bless you Sir !!! Thank you for your courage, sacrifice and service for Freedom 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

  • @robspring81
    @robspring81 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +26

    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.

  • @tobygriggs8358
    @tobygriggs8358 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +403

    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.

    • @Onlyusemesuede
      @Onlyusemesuede 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +23

      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!

    • @acidtv596
      @acidtv596 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

      There's no such thing as a "former marine."

    • @thechickensaladsandwichman9171
      @thechickensaladsandwichman9171 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      your still a MARINE!!!!

    • @Puppy_Puppington
      @Puppy_Puppington 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      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.

    • @Len-on-the-Camino
      @Len-on-the-Camino 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +19

      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.

  • @christopherjames3174
    @christopherjames3174 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +92

    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.

  • @JanisDavis-b8v
    @JanisDavis-b8v 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +137

    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

    • @jacobdillow2375
      @jacobdillow2375 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +10

      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!

    • @pfdrtom
      @pfdrtom 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

      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
      @markbeames7852 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      The RAF didn't fly daytime ops. The USAAF did. @@pfdrtom

    • @pfdrtom
      @pfdrtom 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      At the start of the worthy did a few, I believe.@@markbeames7852

    • @ToddSauve
      @ToddSauve 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      @@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.

  • @craigpugh7338
    @craigpugh7338 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +132

    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.

    • @Doc.Holiday
      @Doc.Holiday 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      We ALL do,…

    • @ramsayblack5815
      @ramsayblack5815 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Mine too - in the 5th/7th Gordon Highlanders!

  • @davidgibson82
    @davidgibson82 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +169

    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!

    • @bracoop2
      @bracoop2 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      He’d be a much better president than the moron we have now.

    • @Ty-tie_FTW
      @Ty-tie_FTW 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      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

  • @Nighthawk1966
    @Nighthawk1966 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    God Bless you sir , and thank you very much for my freedom !!!!

  • @gabriel-bl4ckh4wk-6
    @gabriel-bl4ckh4wk-6 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +35

    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.

  • @julienporisse9902
    @julienporisse9902 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +26

    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

  • @williammurray3037
    @williammurray3037 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

    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!

    • @vitogiannoccaro-l7q
      @vitogiannoccaro-l7q 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Bè si lei è un uomo fortunato, a conoscere, una persona del genere. Intelligentissimo.

  • @Nickell06
    @Nickell06 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +23

    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.

  • @LillianSteele-u9v
    @LillianSteele-u9v 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +72

    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.

    • @realwealthproperties5671
      @realwealthproperties5671 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      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.

    • @rrmandrews
      @rrmandrews 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      ​​@@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.

    • @iamhudsdent2759
      @iamhudsdent2759 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @@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.

  • @PapagenoX09
    @PapagenoX09 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    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.

  • @kylegawron5358
    @kylegawron5358 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +161

    My grandpa was a rear radio operating gunner in a B-29 Bomber, completed 30 missions over the pacific.

    • @NicoleAC-PhD
      @NicoleAC-PhD 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      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?

    • @kylegawron5358
      @kylegawron5358 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      @@NicoleAC-PhD i haven’t met him. He died from a heart attack when my dad was in his teens

    • @NicoleAC-PhD
      @NicoleAC-PhD 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

      @kylegawron5358 Sorry to hear that. Good on you for keeping his name,honor, and memory alive! 🙏🏽

    • @jamesross1799
      @jamesross1799 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      I offer my sincere thanks to your grandad . 🇬🇧 🇺🇸

    • @ChevyBoyCallofDuty
      @ChevyBoyCallofDuty 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Damn that is crazy! Thanks for sharing. God bless your grandpa 🇺🇸🦅🙏🏻

  • @aaronbugaiski2487
    @aaronbugaiski2487 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +52

    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.

    • @markbeames7852
      @markbeames7852 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Just don't vote for Trump or we'll have a fascist gov't right here in America.

  • @easyyog1185
    @easyyog1185 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    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.

  • @sherryrutledge8792
    @sherryrutledge8792 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    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!❤

  • @jeffreym.keilen1095
    @jeffreym.keilen1095 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Wow. This man is awesome. As an armor crewman, I relate to alot of what he is talking about. Would have followed him anywhere.🇺🇸

  • @johngrogan7585
    @johngrogan7585 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +26

    Thank you is not enough to say.
    We are grateful for men like you.
    Still my words seem not to be enough.

  • @Dizzydre21
    @Dizzydre21 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    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.

  • @Richard-iu9sf
    @Richard-iu9sf 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +39

    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.

  • @SM-vs4ro
    @SM-vs4ro 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    We could never do today what those men and manufacturing did back then. We lost most of the skill sets and patriotism our forefathers had. We’re just fat, dumb and mostly stupid today. Basically spoiled, we had it good for a long time thanks to them.

  • @eamo106
    @eamo106 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    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.

  • @jackthepirate9233
    @jackthepirate9233 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Huge respect. Thank you for serving sir.

  • @Rob-lu8me
    @Rob-lu8me 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    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 👍🏻

  • @merrylmarsh9037
    @merrylmarsh9037 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +24

    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.

  • @ChloeDunIT
    @ChloeDunIT 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +20

    God bless that man and all his generation!

  • @USNveteran
    @USNveteran 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    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!!!

  • @CSAFD
    @CSAFD 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    My grandfather’s brother was on a ‘17, he flew 85 missions 3 in the waist and 82 in the tail.

  • @NightwingP40
    @NightwingP40 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    51s, 47s an 38s this guy named the upper echelon!!!!

  • @SIgor420
    @SIgor420 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Loved the show. It completly changed my outlook on things and those boyz/men really have my honest and utmost respect, incredible balls and sacrifice.

  • @NapBoney
    @NapBoney 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    Looking good and sounding good for 101! Thank you, John.

  • @DH-cj7nm
    @DH-cj7nm 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    It's hard to comprehend men this intelligent and brave. It brings a tear to my eye just watching him tell his story.

  • @antoniosimasml
    @antoniosimasml 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Respect. From Brazil.

  • @richardthornhill4630
    @richardthornhill4630 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +34

    Thanks to all our Veterans who served.

    • @markbeames7852
      @markbeames7852 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      you're welcome. Thanks for the acknowledgment. Much appreciated.

  • @PhilAlumb
    @PhilAlumb 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    Very interesting and Real. Thank You for your Service and Recollections.❤️‍🔥🇺🇲

  • @KitPepper
    @KitPepper 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    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.

  • @gbe84
    @gbe84 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    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.

  • @JonnyTripleXtv
    @JonnyTripleXtv 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I'm from montgomery. Maxwell is pretty important to our town. It's pretty cool that he trained there

  • @ruthnagarya2028
    @ruthnagarya2028 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

    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.

  • @voulathomacos-lagonas8445
    @voulathomacos-lagonas8445 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Truly BRAVE men on really DANGEROUS MISSIONS .....the world owe them a great debt of gratitude 🙏

  • @jamesross1799
    @jamesross1799 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +17

    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.

    • @dukecraig2402
      @dukecraig2402 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      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.

    • @iamhudsdent2759
      @iamhudsdent2759 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      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.

  • @christiancruz4533
    @christiancruz4533 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    This Sr its the most accurate portrait of BRAVERY.

  • @stephaniebarney5526
    @stephaniebarney5526 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Thank you for your service. God Bless your generation.

  • @alanhenning2935
    @alanhenning2935 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    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!

  • @christiancruz4533
    @christiancruz4533 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    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.

  • @bojans3700
    @bojans3700 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    One of the bravest generations ever!

  • @res00xua
    @res00xua 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Our father was a waist gunner in the 467th.

  • @benmiz9742
    @benmiz9742 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +13

    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❤️

  • @brianrobertson1211
    @brianrobertson1211 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you sir.

  • @MrDackerman
    @MrDackerman 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    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!!!!

  • @mattmiles8474
    @mattmiles8474 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Amazing stories ... awesome!

  • @lazyriver53
    @lazyriver53 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    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.

  • @Supercruze
    @Supercruze 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    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.

  • @Mike-jw4xh
    @Mike-jw4xh 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    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!

  • @matsfogelberg5990
    @matsfogelberg5990 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That man❤ No trying to exaggerate, just the plain truth. I could fel that

  • @micheld7924
    @micheld7924 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Thank you sir, for all your sacrifices. Thank you so much for your service.

  • @dorianleclair7390
    @dorianleclair7390 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    He had the right last name for sure.

  • @whydahell3816
    @whydahell3816 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    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!

  • @tee1up785
    @tee1up785 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    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!

  • @adamporter1680
    @adamporter1680 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    True American Patriot! Thank you for your service and sacrifices. It makes me sick to see how in so many ways our country is today.

  • @michaeldouglas1243
    @michaeldouglas1243 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    What an amazing speaking voice and speaker. Thanks for your service sir.

  • @whateveritwasitis
    @whateveritwasitis 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    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.

  • @rewild6134
    @rewild6134 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hopefully peace will prevail in Europe and Asia.
    These men fought bravely against tyranny and for the freedom we've taken for granted for over 60 years.
    I hope we act decisively against the return of authoritarian expansion now, so our generation won't have to do this again and waste the sacrifices made between 1939 and 1945.
    The world feels...unstable today... its certainly not the 90's > 2010's anymore.
    I'm a dual Aussie/British citizen. Ex forces. One thing I do know is that the west, particularly the English speaking nations, won't turn over and die. But unfortunately it might take a jolt to awaken the giant again.

  • @barrycohen1731
    @barrycohen1731 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Incredible feats by all.....Icons....every one!!! Thank you, Lucky! 1LT Barry Cohen, USAF Pilot Veteran

  • @Leftyizme1
    @Leftyizme1 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Such a wonderfully interesting story. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

  • @MurCurieux
    @MurCurieux 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    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.

  • @bigchuckynab
    @bigchuckynab 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    Thank you for your service Major Luckadoo! You are a Hero to me! Another excellent interview by Mr. Greg Corombos!

  • @wickedsmokr6934
    @wickedsmokr6934 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    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

  • @neogeo4839
    @neogeo4839 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Thank you, hero!

  • @samlatham6015
    @samlatham6015 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    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.

  • @nyca520
    @nyca520 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Thank you sir

  • @waynehatton4136
    @waynehatton4136 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Remember that as the boundaries of The Reich contracted, the concentration of their flak artillery grew stronger. 1944 and 1945 became deadlier.

  • @gailcarey3597
    @gailcarey3597 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    We love you, Lucky!

  • @warbirdflyerF4U
    @warbirdflyerF4U 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Amazing story of one of our infamous war heroes Thank you ever so much for sharing

  • @laurabloemer4228
    @laurabloemer4228 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I have a certificate of my dad’s welcoming him to the Lucky Bastards Club for flying at least 30 missions over Germany in B-17 plane.

  • @karoleenascottage
    @karoleenascottage 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My former father in law was a Navigator on a B-17, shot down over France, and spent 406 days in Stalag Luft III. I believe he was part of this bomb group. All 10 crew members survived the crash and a book was written about it a couple years ago called “Coffin Corner”. I would love to know if any of the crew members are still alive. His name was 1LT Edward T. Badder. He passed away in 2012.

  • @brianmcmurdo2295
    @brianmcmurdo2295 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    The Old Breed.

  • @Jason_903
    @Jason_903 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Bless this man and all the brave countless others that loved our great nation 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

  • @geeeeeee3
    @geeeeeee3 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I cannot imagine the physical hell and horror this man, and every airman endured flying bombers over Europe

  • @RogerDoan-b1x
    @RogerDoan-b1x 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Thank you Sir. for all you did. But more important thank-you for your service Roger Doan.

  • @manfrommeeteetse3880
    @manfrommeeteetse3880 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    😊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.

    • @eegles
      @eegles 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Washington_(ACR-11)

    • @pete1342
      @pete1342 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      ACR-11 USS Washington had been renamed USS Seattle in 1916, so who knows.

    • @garywagner2466
      @garywagner2466 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Highly unlikely they would use a battleship as a troop transport.

  • @danielbrown9368
    @danielbrown9368 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Sounds exactly like Walter Cronkite

  • @Convoycrazy
    @Convoycrazy 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Amazing interview.. So thankful these WWII oral histories are still being recorded

  • @DougCervi
    @DougCervi 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    Thank you Sir for your service and sharing your story with the next generation!!! Excellent book!!!

  • @Lechaim11
    @Lechaim11 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    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🎉

    • @robertthomas3777
      @robertthomas3777 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Me too.
      Sheerness.
      Lucky country.
      Yes, they were stoic selfless heroes.
      Lest we forget.
      🦘🇦🇺👍

  • @dunbar555
    @dunbar555 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    immense respect SIR. thank you

  • @haroldmclean3755
    @haroldmclean3755 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    A Great interview,, Very interesting indeed 👍

  • @janemartin2416
    @janemartin2416 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    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. ❤

  • @nancysmith-baker1813
    @nancysmith-baker1813 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    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 .

  • @bluefront273
    @bluefront273 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    GOD bless the greatest generation.

  • @StephenGrew
    @StephenGrew 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I don't know what to say when I witness very brave people like this man. Plunged into war, whether you agree with it or not. How this runs alongside pacifists, I don't know. I think war is insanity! however, it's that chicken and egg dilemma, if no one signed up, if no one agreed to follow certain ideologies....maybe war wouldn't exist?

  • @boomerdiorama
    @boomerdiorama 29 วันที่ผ่านมา +1

    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. 👍