Macmillan Publishers Damn Lucky: Lucky Luckadoo’s Story in the 100th (Softcover) 874276

Damn Lucky: One Man’s Courage During the Bloodiest Military Campaign in Aviation History

Trained as a pilot with the United States Air Force, Second Lieutenant John “Lucky” Luckadoo was assigned to the legendary 100th Bomb Group—known as the “Bloody Hundredth”—stationed in Thorpe Abbotts, England. Between June and October 1943, he flew B-17 Flying Fortresses over France and Germany on bombing runs devised to destroy the Nazi war machine. The average bomber crew rarely survived after eight to twelve missions. Knowing far too many airmen who wouldn’t be returning home, Luckadoo closed off his emotions and focused on his tasks to finish his tour of duty one moment at a time, realizing his success was more about being lucky than being skilled.

Drawing from Luckadoo’s firsthand accounts, acclaimed war correspondent Kevin Maurer shares his extraordinary tale from war to peacetime, uncovering astonishing feats of bravery during the bloodiest military campaign in aviation history and presenting an incredible portrait of a young man’s coming of age during the world’s most devastating war.

Product Details

• Author:Kevin Maurer
• Publisher:St. Martin’s Griffin (an imprint ofMacmillan Publishers)
• Format:Softcover/Trade Paperback
• Page Count:320 pages
• Language:English
• Dimensions:Approximately 5.3 x 0.85 x 8.25 inches
• ISBN:9781250874276

Why This Book Matters

This gripping non-fiction biography chronicles the true story of one of the last surviving members of the 100th Bomb Group during World War II. Luckadoo’s journey from his hometown of Chattanooga to flying 25 perilous missions over occupied Europe offers readers an intimate look at aerial combat, the emotional toll of war, and the remarkable resilience of the Greatest Generation. Perfect for history enthusiasts, military aviation fans, and anyone interested in firsthand accounts of World War II.

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