Frank "Lucky" Luckman
FRANK "LUCKY" LUCKMAN
June 26, 1923 - April 13, 2012
FRANKLIN P. LUCKMAN, JR., born in Philadelphia, PA on June 26, 1923. Frank graduated from Spence Field, Moultrie, Georgia - Class of 43-J. Trained in P-47's at Richmond, Va. and Millville, New Jersey. He transferred to England and joined the 365th Fighter Group, 388th Fighter Squadron, 9th Air Force in May, 1944, attaining the rank of Captain and position of flight leader during his combat tour that extended from just prior to "D" Day through the end of WW II.
During that time, and with his nickname of "Lucky", he flew many of his 103 combat missions in "Lucky's Lady". Most of those flights were in support of ground troops or interdiction throughout France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. On Oct. 21, 1944 Luckman participated in a fighter sweep in which he destroyed one FW-190 and damaged another while the 365th destroyed a total of 21 aircraft, 11 probables and 3 damaged without loss to itself. This led to the Fighter Groups first of two Presidential Unit Citations.
The second came on April 20, 1945 when Luckman flew his 100th mission after 30 days TD R&R stateside by joining his squadron and group in the strafing and total destruction of 38 ammunition dumps near Zeithain. "Lucky" and Lucky's Lady flew combat through the period leading to the liberation of France and Belgium, resulting in the awarding of both the French and Belgique Fourre Guerres to the 365th Fighter Group for their contribution to the cause.
By war's end, Luckman had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal with 18 Oak Leaf Clusters. He remained with the 365th Fighter Group until it was inactivated at Camp Miles Standish, Boston, Mass., Sept. 22, 1945.
In the years following, Frank Luckman completed his Machinist Apprenticeship, attended Drexel University at night, married Ann Clabby, flew with the reserves, then once again flew "JUGS" with the Delaware Air National Guard. By late 1949, he was flying Republics F-84 jet fighter, and within two months after being recalled to active duty with the Guard, was flying combat over Korea with the 27th Fighter Wing - in the F-84.
After flying 52 combat missions, he and the 27th returned to Bergstrom AFB, Texas. Following his release in June, 1952, he and Ann returned to Philadelphia and built their dream home in Abington, PA. Frank Luckman is president and owner of Luckman Corporation, supplying sophisticated equipment to the Dental profession both here and abroad.
Biography provide by: http://www.p47pilots.com
