Dallas, Texas, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Major John ‘Lucky’ Luckadoo, a celebrated WWII pilot and the last surviving member of the Bloody Hundredth Bomb Group, has died at 102. His bravery and contributions to aviation history are commemorated as the community honors his legacy. Upcoming events include a golf classic and a festival to celebrate such heroes.
Dallas, Texas – Major John “Lucky” Luckadoo, a celebrated World War II pilot and a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away at the age of 102 on Monday at his home in Dallas. He was widely recognized as the last surviving pilot from the Bloody Hundredth Bomb Group, which played a significant role in the air war over Europe during the conflict.
The Bloody Hundredth Bomb Group, renowned for its harrowing missions, earned its nickname due to the exceptionally high number of planes and crew lost in combat. Major Luckadoo’s experiences have been well documented, including in his book titled “Damn Lucky.” His contributions to aviation history have been acknowledged in various media, notably the series “Masters of the Air.”
Josh Roe, a reporter, had the opportunity to interview Major Luckadoo last fall for a segment titled “Price of Freedom.” During the interview, Luckadoo recounted the harrowing experiences he endured while flying a B-17 bomber over Europe. Pilots like him faced the dual challenges of seasoned German fighter planes and Flak (anti-aircraft defenses), all while grappling with their own fears.
Major Luckadoo’s passing marks the end of an era and draws attention to the sacrifices made by those who served in the 8th Air Force during World War II. The significance of these pilots and their stories is expected to be explored further, highlighting the critical importance of documenting the narratives of World War II veterans.
In honor of Major Luckadoo and the legacy of WWII pilots, the Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation has planned the 11th Annual Golf Classic on September 15 at WindStone Golf Club in Ringgold, Georgia. The event aims to support veterans and commemorate their sacrifices. In addition, the 3rd Annual Rock the Ridge Festival is set to take place on September 13 at Bachman Community Center in Signal Mountain. This festival will feature live music, nature activities, and family-friendly events to celebrate the community and its history.
The interest in concluding a World War II narrative linked to Major Luckadoo’s experiences underscores the ongoing desire to honor those who served. His remarkable life and career have left an indelible mark on both aviation history and the community that raised him.
Background
Major John “Lucky” Luckadoo grew up in Chattanooga during an era of significant transformation in America. He joined the military and became one of the few survivors of the Bloody Hundredth Bomb Group, a group that conducted dangerous bombing missions against Nazi Germany. Over the years, Luckadoo became a symbol of bravery, resilience, and the high cost of freedom. His book, “Damn Lucky,” chronicled not only his personal experiences but also the broader narratives of his fellow pilots, further enriching the history of World War II.
Major Achievements and Legacy
- Last surviving pilot of the Bloody Hundredth Bomb Group
- Authored the book “Damn Lucky”
- Featured in the series “Masters of the Air”
- Interviewed for the segment “Price of Freedom”
Upcoming Events
- 11th Annual Golf Classic: September 15 at WindStone Golf Club, Ringgold, GA
- 3rd Annual Rock the Ridge Festival: September 13 at Bachman Community Center, Signal Mountain
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Major John “Lucky” Luckadoo?
Major John “Lucky” Luckadoo was a World War II pilot from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the last surviving member of the Bloody Hundredth Bomb Group.
What is the Bloody Hundredth Bomb Group?
The Bloody Hundredth Bomb Group was a unit in the 8th Air Force known for its high casualty rate during World War II.
What events are being held in honor of Major Luckadoo?
The Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation is hosting the 11th Annual Golf Classic on September 15 and the 3rd Annual Rock the Ridge Festival on September 13.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Major John “Lucky” Luckadoo | Last surviving pilot of the Bloody Hundredth Bomb Group |
| Book | Authored “Damn Lucky,” chronicling his WWII experiences |
| Main Event | 11th Annual Golf Classic on September 15 |
| Secondary Event | 3rd Annual Rock the Ridge Festival on September 13 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga Mourns Major John “Lucky” Luckadoo
- Wikipedia: World War II
- Chattanoogan: 102-Year-Old WWII Pilot Maj. John “Lucky” Luckadoo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: B-17 Strategic Bomber
- News Channel 9: Chattanooga Mourns Major Luckadoo
- Google Search: Bloody Hundredth Bomb Group
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
