78th Fighter Group
2nd Lt. William J. Luckey, 84th Fighter Squadron, on the wing of his P-47, "Mr. Luckey".( Picture Source: Kathy Luckey McWilliams collection )
The 84th Fighter Squadron Mission Summary Report for 5-19-44. This mission was to provide bomber escort( "Ramrod" ) in response toVIII Fighter Command Field Order # 342. 2nd. Lt. William J. Luckey(flying P-47, WZ-D) is reported to have destroyed an Me109 in the air during the mission. ( Picture Source: Kathy Luckey McWilliams collection )
Details and confirmation of 2nd. Lt. William J. Luckey's Me109 victory of 5-19-44. Lt. Luckey was assigned "Shampoo" Blue Flight # two position *. Note that the confirmation came from Captain Robert E. Ealey, who was a member of the 83rd Fighter Squadron( the 83rd is assumed to be participating in response to the same Field Order ). ( Picture Source: Kathy Luckey McWilliams collection )
Garry L. Fry writes with regards to the events of May 19, 1944 in his book " Eagles of Duxford " : " At 1230 hours on May 19th B-24 bomber boxes of the Third Air Task Force were nearing the Dummer Lake area of Germany on course to attack air industry targets in Brunswick. The 78th Group was 11 o'clock level with the lead box of 300 bombers when a large gaggle of sixty plus Messerschmitts and Focke-Wulfs in two waves came at the nose of the great formation spread out abreast to increase their firepower. "
James Wilkinson**: " William Luckey followed his leader to the deck after the 109s and fired at the number two plane when his leader fired at the German lead. Luckey exploded ammunition in the German's wing. The wing sheared off and the victim flipped and tumbled to the ground."
Garry L. Fry further writes: " The tally for the four hour, sixteen minute May 19th mission was twelve victories without loss. "
( ** Source: James Wilkinson's diary, " Eagles of Duxford ", Garry L. Fry, Phalanx Publishing Ltd., 1991 )
The 84th Fighter Squadron Mission Summary Report for 7-1- 44. This mission was a ground attack assignment in response toVIII Fighter Command Field Order # 425. The Squadron was engaged by enemy aircraft ( "bounced", meaning attacked from above ) prior to reaching their assigned target. Bombs and auxiliary fuel tanks were jettisoned to improve combat maneuverability. 2nd. Lt. William J. Luckey, "Shampoo Blue Flight* Leader,( flying P-47, WZ-Y) is reported to have destroyed his second Me109 in the air during the mission. ( Picture Source: Kathy Luckey McWilliams collection )
This report( and the following page illustration) details and confirms 2nd. Lt. William J. Luckey's Me109 victory of 7-1-44. This combat apparently involved all participating Squadrons. 2nd. Lt. Luckey was "Shampoo", Blue Flight Leader *. Note that the confirmation came from 2nd. Lt. John B. Putnam, "Shampoo" Yellow Flight Leader *. ( Picture Source: Kathy Luckey McWilliams collection )
* - " Shampoo" was the radio call-sign for the 84th Fighter Squadron, A Group( post April 22, 1944 )at the time of the mission, Flights( four aircraft each) were designated as Red, White, Blue and Yellow.
Thanks Kathy !
Kathy McWilliams is the daughter of William J. Luckey and was kind enough to share these pictures and documents with us. Anyone with any additional information or pictures regarding William J. Luckey and his tour with the 78th Fighter Group should email Kathy McWilliams at kmcwilliams@ga.prestige.net .
This page was last revised on 1 / 15 / 01
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