Damn Lucky

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

By: Kevin Maurer

Narrated by: Holter Graham, John Luckadoo

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Fresh look at bomber pilot life

This is a rare firsthand account of flying bomber missions over Europe in WWII. From harrowing flights, to details of the B-17, to professional and personal friendships, and lesser known things such as flying at high altitude in bitter cold, this was a great book. Further, going through the book on Audible included bonus interview material between the author and subject of the book. This is a good book historically but also personally. Highly recommend.

Good WWII Bio of an Amazing Life

This is a good WWII bio of John Luckadoo's experiences in the air war and his amazing long life. John has indeed been "damn lucky."

For those familiar with the air war, a lot of the background is well-known. For those not familiar, the book provides a good introduction.

What is new is John's personal story, which is remarkable. His chances of surviving the war, given when he entered it, were very slim. He is remarkably modest (as so many of his generation were), yet was a man willing to stand up to authority when needed. It is clear he was highly respected.

There are so few WWII veterans left that it is important to preserve their stories, especially those like this. Thanks to Kevin Maurer and "Lucky" for this addition.

Thank you for sharing your amazing story !

Every person needs to listen to/ read this book . Great insight . The personal sacrifice each person made . The detail I felt many times I was flying the plane . I had the honor of meeting lucky in an airport in October 2023 on his way to celebrate his 80 year of making his 25th mission ; he was going back to England . A wonderful person thank you for sharing ; the personal details ; your friend scully is in my prayers .

This brings B-17's to life

This audio book was tremendous. The details of the bombing runs really makes you appreciate what these guys did to win the war and save the world. I was on the edge of my seat while listening. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. Do yourself a favor and have a listen. You won't be disappointed.

Stark Reality of being a WW2 bomber pilot

Extremely eye opening. Lucky was able to convey the harsh reality of being a B17 Pilot in Europe over Nazi occupied territory. No glamor, no Hollywood spin. The stark reality of flying into the jaws of the tiger followed by the overwhelming stress of doing this on a daily basis and then suffering the terrible losses of good friends and crewmates. This is documenting history as well as telling one person's experience.
An absolute must read.

A great story

I wonder if Sully’s body was ever returned to USA.
I liked the candor and humor.

We are all Damn Lucky

Fantastic and gripping account of the 100th Bomb Group and John Luckadoo’s story. Cuts through the romance and nostalgia of war time heroics and puts you right into the B-17 with Lucky and his crews. While I’m usually a fan of physical books, the bonus conversation with Mr. Luckadoo was pure gold. It was profound to hear his voice all these years later. Was he Damn Lucky? Maybe. But we are ALL Damn Lucky he and his comrades rose to the occasion 80 years ago.

Great story of Greatest Generation

Interesting, exciting and deeply personal story. Very real. Without trying, it shows the horror and futility of war, while honoring the valiant efforts of those who fought. Should be required reading for all.