The Real Masters of the Air- John “Lucky” Luckadoo
The Real Masters Of The Air. Listen to the stories of WW2 veterans.
John "Lucky" Luckadoo was a copilot with the newly formed 100th bomb group. Lucky flew a fateful mission to Bremen, Germany, that contributed to their notorious name. "Morale was low. Numerous replacements were made, earning us the title of the "Bloody Hundredth." Among all the groups, we were known to have the lowest survival rate in the Eighth Air Force." Lucky flew with the "Bloody Hundredth" throughout the rest of 1943 and finished his 25-mission tour of duty in February 1944. Out of 40 original pilots in the 100th Bomb Group, he was one of only four to finish their tours of duty. The collection of missions, actions, and personalities created a synergy making the 100th Bomb Group one of the most storied units of World War II.
Perhaps no other mission cemented the reputation of the 100th more than the Munster raid of October 10. While en route to the target, the Group experienced the most violent Luftwaffe attacks yet seen as bombers took hits from both flak and fighters. As the formation made its way to the initial point (IP), planes of the 100th were downed one by one. With the Group’s losses over Munster, the 100th was now firmly labeled a jinxed unit.
