Damn Lucky

One Man's Courage During the Bloodiest Military Campaign in Aviation History

By: Kevin Maurer

Narrated by: Holter Graham, John Luckadoo

From Kevin Maurer—the #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning coauthor of No Easy Day—comes the true story of a World War II bomber pilot who survived twenty-five missions in Damn Lucky, “an epic, thrillingly written, utterly immersive account of a very lucky, incredible survivor of the war in the skies to defeat Hitler” (New York Times bestselling author Alex Kershaw).

“We were young citizen-soldiers, terribly naive and gullible about what we would be confronted with in the air war over Europe and the profound effect it would have upon every fiber of our being for the rest of our lives. We were all afraid, but it was beyond our power to quit. We volunteered for the service and, once trained and overseas, felt we had no choice but to fulfill the mission assigned. My hope is that this book honors the men with whom I served by telling the truth about what it took to climb into the cold blue and fight for our lives over and over again.”—John “Lucky” Luckadoo, Major, USAF (Ret.) 100th Bomb Group (H)

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was a world away from John Luckadoo’s hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. But when the Japanese attacked the American naval base on December 7, 1941, he didn’t hesitate to join the military. Trained as a pilot with the United States Air Force, Second Lieutenant Luckadoo was assigned to the 100th Bomb Group 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.

With a shrapnel torn Bible in his flight jacket pocket and his girlfriend’s silk stocking around his neck like a scarf as talismans, Luckadoo piloted through Luftwaffe machine-gun fire and antiaircraft flak while enduring subzero temperatures to complete twenty-five missions and his combat service. 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.

Drawn 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.

This program includes a bonus conversation between John "Lucky" Luckadoo and the author.

©2022 Kevin Maurer (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

The story of a boy who grew up, and became a man.

What a story, and a journey. Lucky was able to step up to the challenge of his dreams of being a pilot in the Armies Air Core in WW2. As many young people he didn't know how hard war can be. Many days as pilot in the Air core he flew a B17 Flying Fortress. Many days he never knew if he'd be alive the next day. Yet he did his best for his crew, his family, and himself. A great story of bravery. A must read or listen. Lucky thank you for all you have done.

An awesome listen

Learn more about WWII flying in the B-17 by flying into battle. You'll feel the emotions and pain these men endured.

Excellent!

What a collaboration between author and subject to get his full story documented. Probably the best WWII book I’ve ever read.

must read

i’ve read many accounts of the WWII allied bombing effort and this is one of the most comprehensive books on the subject that I have had the pleasure to read-A must read for anyone not only from a historical perspective but there are some valuable life lessons to be taken heed of as well. buy this now

Amazing book

This is an amazing book with a compelling story about a truly harrowing time in the history of the world. Lucky’s story is inspiring, heartbreaking at times and full of adventure. There isn’t a dull moment to be found. I will keep coming back to this book because the stories will never get old.

A Deep Respect for all our Aircrew

I've studied, read about, and professionally discussed the history of the Strategic Bomber Campaign of World War II as a cadet, B-52 pilot and crew member, at Staff College, and at War College. Throughout my career I heard many stories but none so profound and moving as Maj Luckadoo's experience. As a country, we were extremely fortunate to have young men who stepped up to the call and performed their duty admirably and professionally. it was my honor to follow in their footsteps during my US Air Force career.
"Here's a toast..."

Thank you lucky

I would like to thank lucky and his fellow soldiers for all that they’ve ever done for this country you Will never be forgotten. Thank you for sharing your story

outstanding!!

loved this book from cover to cover!! A compelling story of one man's life experiences.

Great book

This is an excellent book and outstanding narration by Holter Graham. It’s a must read for those WW2 people who enjoy the story’s of our greatest generation.

No substitute for wisdom

Not just a war story. A lesson in wisdom and experience. A fantastic message for today’s youth and generations to come.