WARBIRD RADIO – In a powerful moment during the National Warbird Operators Conference (NWOC) held in Dallas, Texas, World War II B-17 pilot John “Lucky” Luckadoo captivated the audience with his experiences and reflections. Known for his service with the notorious “Bloody 100th” Bomb Group, featured in Apple TV’s Masters of the Air series, Lucky’s stories brought history to life for those in attendance.
Addressing the crowd, Lucky remarked, “I am an example of those who flew these airplanes in the manner for which they were intended.” His words resonated deeply, a tribute to the bravery and skill of his fellow airmen who faced unimaginable odds during the war.
In a heartfelt appeal, Lucky urged, “to keep ‘em flyin’,” acknowledging that while the day may come when maintaining these historic warbirds becomes too challenging, the efforts to preserve and fly them are a living tribute to the sacrifices made by his generation. The sight and sound of these magnificent machines soaring through the sky continue to thrill him, serving as a poignant reminder of the stories of valor and sacrifice from WWII.
After his address, Lucky sat down with Warbird Radio’s Matt Jolley to share additional thoughts in an exclusive interview. Listeners can hear Lucky’s reflections and stories by clicking the link provided in this show story.
Adding to the rich tapestry of history, renowned warbird historian and airplane whisperer Brad Pilgrim joined the episode, sharing tales of warbirds past with his signature storytelling flair. It’s an episode not to be missed, filled with reverence for the past and hope for preserving these flying artifacts for future generations.
Be sure to tune in to this special episode, and consider signing up for our email newsletter to never miss a story or interview celebrating the legacy of our nation’s aviation heroes.
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