The historic aviation community is mourning the loss of John “Lucky” Luckadoo, the last surviving B-17 bomber pilot from the 100th Bomb Group, who passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2025, at the age of 103. A decorated veteran of the Second World War, Luckadoo’s life and legacy continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and resilience of the Greatest Generation. Born in 1922, Luckadoo joined the U.S. Army Air Corps shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. By 1943, he had earned his wings as a multi-engine pilot and was assigned to the Eighth Air Force in England. Flying the B-17 Flying Fortress with the 100th Bomb Group—nicknamed “The Bloody Hundredth” for its devastating combat losses—he quickly found himself in the heart of the air war over Europe.
Of the 40 pilots who began training alongside him, only four survived a full combat tour. Against steep odds, Luckadoo completed his 25th mission in February 1944 at the controls of Alice from Dallas II. His missions involved high-altitude bombing runs deep into enemy territory, often without fighter escort, while braving German anti-aircraft fire and relentless Luftwaffe attacks. After the war, Luckadoo resigned his U.S. Air Force commission as a major in 1948 to finish his education. He went on to build a successful career in commercial real estate, developing shopping centers throughout the American Southwest, and ultimately settled in Dallas, where he lived for more than six decades.
In later life, Luckadoo devoted himself to ensuring that the service and sacrifices of his generation would not be forgotten. He became a strong advocate for honoring the “Home Front Heroes”—the millions of Americans who built airplanes, produced supplies, and supported the war effort from home. His efforts led to the creation of Home Front Heroes Day in Dallas in 2019, and his advocacy inspired bipartisan efforts in Congress to establish a permanent day of national recognition. To those who knew him, Luckadoo embodied humility as much as heroism. He often insisted that his survival was a matter of luck, while the credit for victory belonged as much to the workers in factories and communities as to those who flew in combat. The historic aviation community remembers John “Lucky” Luckadoo as a friend, mentor, and inspiration. His story continues to educate and inspire new generations, ensuring that the courage, sacrifice, and perseverance of the Greatest Generation remain alive in memory and in spirit.
