[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 141 (Wednesday, September 11, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5164-H5165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF MAJOR JOHN ``LUCKY'' LUCKADOO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Self) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SELF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Major John ``Lucky'' 
Luckadoo, an extraordinary American hero who displayed remarkable 
bravery in World War II.
  Now 102 years old, Major Luckadoo is one of the last remaining 
members of the distinguished 100th Bomb Group, famously known as the 
Bloody Hundredth.
  Major Luckadoo grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He joined the Army 
following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. After training, 
he served with the Eighth Air Force's 100th Bomb Group based in Thorpe 
Abbotts, England.
  Of the 40 men from his training class who served in the 100th, only 
four completed their tour, highlighting the dangerous nature of their 
mission and Major Luckadoo's extraordinary fortune and resilience.
  Major Luckadoo undertook 25 combat missions over Nazi-occupied 
Europe, serving as both a pilot and copilot in the B-17 Flying 
Fortress, showcasing his outstanding bravery and expertise under highly 
challenging conditions and overwhelming odds.
  Lieutenant Colonel John Bennett, leader of the 100th Bomb Group, 
aptly remarked: ``What the 100th lacks in luck, it makes up for in 
courage.''
  Major Luckadoo embodied this spirit, and his extraordinary story of 
survival is chronicled in his biography, ``Damn Lucky.'' Major 
Luckadoo's survival and the subsequent telling of his story contribute 
significantly to the historical record of World War II and stand as a 
testament to the bravery and sacrifices of the Greatest Generation.
  Major Luckadoo currently resides in Dallas, where he actively engages 
in his community and continues to share his story, ensuring that future 
generations will continue to draw inspiration from his courage and 
dedication.
  In light of his heroic service and enduring legacy, it is fitting 
that we honor Major John ``Lucky'' Luckadoo and express our deepest 
gratitude for his remarkable contributions to our Nation.


           In Recognition of Colonel Kenneth William Cordier

  Mr. SELF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Kenneth 
William Cordier, who dedicated his life to serving his country and 
embodied the

[[Page H5165]]

highest ideals of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice, including more 
than 6 years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam.
  Born in 1937 in Canton, Ohio, Colonel Cordier entered the United 
States Air Force through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Akron 
University in 1960, beginning a distinguished military career that 
spanned over two decades.
  After training as a Minuteman missile launch officer, Colonel Cordier 
earned his pilot's wings in 1963 and was assigned to the 45th Tactical 
Fighter Squadron, flying the F-4C Phantom jet fighter.
  On December 2, 1966, during his 176th combat mission, Colonel Cordier 
was shot down over North Vietnam. Captured and imprisoned for over 6 
years, he endured harsh conditions in the infamous North Vietnamese 
prisons, in which he demonstrated extraordinary resilience and 
unwavering faith.
  After his release in 1973, Colonel Cordier resumed Active-Duty 
service with distinction, directing air operations at Sembach Air Base, 
reactivating the Wiesbaden Air Force Base, and serving as an air 
attache in England.
  Colonel Cordier's service to his Nation is dignified by numerous 
awards, including two Silver Stars, the Defense Superior Service Medal, 
the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars 
with Valor, the Purple Heart, seven Air Medals, the POW Medal, and the 
Air Force Commendation Medal. He retired with honors in 1985.
  After the war, he worked tirelessly to dissuade animosity against the 
Vietnamese people and culture, instead advocating for diplomatic 
solutions to bring peace to the region and heal old wounds.
  Colonel Cordier would return to Vietnam five separate times. A 
special note: On his second visit, this distinguished hero brought 
former POWs to help them find closure in their traumatic experiences as 
prisoners in Vietnam and to assist in their healing process.
  Beyond his military career, Colonel Cordier was a devoted husband and 
father to his wife and daughter, Barbara and Ann.
  Colonel Cordier's life and service are a testament to the values of 
duty, honor, country, and inspiring future generations to serve with 
the same dedication and courage. Therefore, I ask that all Americans 
take a moment to honor the legacy and life of Colonel Kenneth William 
Cordier, United States Air Force.

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