John Luckadoo survived some of the most dangerous missions in World War II. As a member of the 100th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force, he flew 25 bombing missions over Axis territory during the war. The bomb group saw so many casualties it was nicknamed the “Bloody Hundredth.” Luckadoo was one of those who was able to fly a full 25 missions, enough to earn a trip home. He died this month at the age of 103, the last original member of the Bloody Hundredth.

Maj. John “Lucky” Luckadoo died on Sept. 1 in his home in Dallas after some time in hospice, according to his family.

“The Major left formation the evening of September 1, 2025, and completed his final mission to bluer skies,” a message posted to his website said.

The man eventually known as “Lucky” was born March 16, 1922 in Chattanoog

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