Episode 042 - P-51 Mustang, F-104, A-1 Skyraider, F-4 Phantom - Lt Col. Lucky Lowman

Episode 042 – P-51 Mustang, F-104, A-1 Skyraider, F-4 Phantom – Lt Col. Lucky Lowman

This episode of Military Tales features a conversation with Lt. Col. Lucky Lowman (Wallace), a veteran pilot whose extensive career began in 1943 during World War II and spanned over 30 years including reserve time. Lucky, who is now 98 years old, recounts his experiences flying iconic aircraft like the P-51 Mustang in Europe, where he flew 52 missions escorting B-17s and B-24s and witnessed the loss of friends. His post-WWII active duty included flying F-102s in the Philippines, being on alert during the Gulf of Tonkin incident, piloting F-104s in West Texas from which he had a “perfect ejection” at 11,000 feet, and a challenging deployment taking F-104s to Jordan, interacting with King Hussein. Later, in Southeast Asia, he transitioned to the A-1 Skyraider, commanding the “Fireflies” squadron. He describes the A-1 as a heavy but responsive plane that could take punishment and highlights his crucial role in Search and Rescue (SAR) missions (the “Sandy role”), participating in significant rescues like Boxer 2-2 and experiencing the “terrific feeling” of bringing downed airmen back safely. Lucky reflects on his deep bond with the younger pilots under his command, whom he affectionately called “my boys” and who often saw him as a “second father,” crediting him with their flying skills. His long flying career ended when he was grounded as a “non-essential pilot,” leading to immediate retirement.

More information on Episode 042 – P-51 Mustang, F-104, A-1 Skyraider, F-4 Phantom – Lt Col. Lucky Lowman

Episode 42 – From Mustangs to Skyraiders: A Pilot’s Journey with Lt. Col. Lucky Lowman

Episode 42 of Military Tales features a remarkable conversation with Lt. Col. Lucky Lowman, a veteran pilot whose career spanned multiple conflicts and iconic aircraft, beginning long before many of his later comrades were even born. Lucky, whose given name is Wallace, shares insights from a flying career that started in 1943, graduating in 1944.

He began flying the P-40 before transitioning to the legendary P-51 Mustang in Europe, assigned to the 20th Fighter Group, 55th squadron. He recounts the intense experience of flying 52 missions escorting B-17 and B-24 bombers over Europe, and the profound loss of close friends and fellow pilots during combat.

After a period in the reserves, Lucky returned to active duty in 1951. His diverse flying assignments included piloting F-102s in the Philippines at Clark Air Base, and spending about three years flying F-104s in West Texas. It was in the F-104 that he had to eject from the aircraft at 11,000 feet after the engine quit at a higher altitude. He describes a “perfect ejection” and being back flying very quickly after a brief hospital check. Lucky also details a challenging deployment taking F-104s to Jordan as part of a sales attempt, during which they lost two aircraft and he dealt with complex political dynamics while interacting with King Hussein. He was also on alert in the Philippines with the F-102s during the Gulf of Tonkin incident, launching aircraft to cover bases, though not participating in a strike himself.

His career later took him to Southeast Asia, where he transitioned to the A-1 Skyraider, checking out at Hurlburt with much younger pilots. He commanded a squadron, eventually leading the “Fireflies,” and describes the A-1 as a heavy but responsive plane, well-suited for its job and capable of taking punishment. A primary mission role for his squadron was Search and Rescue (SAR), known as the Sandy role. This involved sitting on alert, orbiting for hours in the late afternoon in case airmen went down. Lucky participated in significant rescues, including one he believes was Boxer 2-2, describing the intense environment with heavy ground fire. He emphasizes the immense satisfaction and “terrific feeling” that came with a successful rescue, often celebrated back at base.

Lucky reflects on his relationship with the younger pilots under his command, whom he affectionately calls “my boys”. He fostered a bond where they respected him and strove not to disappoint him, and many later considered him a “second father,” even crediting him with their flying skills. He served approximately 24 years on active duty and over 30 years including reserve time. His long and distinguished career ended when he was grounded as a “non-essential pilot,” leading him to immediately retire. At 98 years old, Lucky continues to value these connections and appreciates the opportunity to share his rich history.