Students Consider Themselves “Lucky” To Be In The Presence Of A Hero
Written by Amanda Mathis in observance of the 80th anniversary of D-Day
Sitting in the presence of a 101-year-old military hero who actively participated in World War II is not your typical day in class. But, at Converse, it is part of the experience.
Dr. Edward Woodfin’s study abroad class, “World War II in Europe”, had the extraordinary opportunity to visit with Major John “Lucky” Luckadoo, one of the last living original B-17 bomber pilots from the 100th Bomb Group and featured in Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks’ most recent documentary, Bloody One Hundredth, part of the “Masters of the Air” series.
The incredible student experience left an indelible mark on the class as Luckadoo shared a wealth of wisdom. This year’s class combined on-campus sessions and travel to specific, historically significant, European locations to allow students to dive deeper into serious subjects and focus on the raw side of WWII history.
“It’s something you never forget—being in the presence of a hero.”
Dr. Edward Woodfin
The visit with Maj. Luckadoo connected students to the history of World War II more than any other point of the trip. “It was a privilege to be a part of the class,” said graduate student Tonya Alfonso, ’25. “To hear from someone who personally impacted the outcome of the war. His stories gave us hope. Mr. Luckadoo is still an example of courage. It is one of the moments I will remember forever.”
Students were asked to submit questions in advance, and Luckadoo responded honestly. “For someone who had been through so much to revisit such difficult moments and respond openly and honestly without hesitation was no small feat. It’s something you never forget—being in the presence of a hero,” said Dr. Woodfin.
“Since he decided to sign up for the war as soon as possible, Lucky could select his branch of choice,” said Caroline Blair, ’24. “And if he couldn’t serve in the United States, he planned to travel to Canada to fight.”
“Lucky gave everything for his country and has remained humble, and it was such an experience. How do you thank someone who gave us such a gift?” said Alfonso.
Travel is a visual experience, but an even more powerful moment is to engage with someone who was there and did not dodge a question. “Mr. Luckadoo discussed life during the war with its highest and darkest moments and intentionally connected with our students,” said Woodfin.
“Luckadoo had all of these stories to share,” Woodfin said.” Now that we’re losing this generation, we value our time with them even more,” said Woodfin. “He taught character in such a better way than any book or video could.”
“I recommend travel for every Converse student. Visiting these different historical sites allowed us to intentionally connect with their unvarnished history.”
Tonya Alfonso, ’25
It is easy to distance yourself from a war – especially one fought nearly 80 years ago. Meeting Lucky focused Woodfin’s students’ minds for the rest of the trip through Europe. They met someone who was there and who helped explain these historical moments in a way that truly connected with them.
“I was adamant about taking a Dr. Woodfin trip because he is my favorite teacher,” said Blair. “I find this period of history fascinating. When I decided to sign up for this class, I realized I was not going on vacation,” she said of the significance of this trip.
Later in the class term, the students continued through Europe, visiting the 101st Airborne Museum, Dachau Concentration Camp , D-Day’s Omaha Beach in Normandy, and Churchill’s War Rooms, to name a few.
“I recommend travel for every Converse student,” said Alfonso. “Visiting these different historical sites allowed us to intentionally connect with their unvarnished history.”
Due to the complexity of planning the travel abroad element of the classes, Woodfin scheduled his trips every two to three years. The sessions dive deeply into serious subjects, with each trip focusing on different aspects of history as students complete a reflection journey throughout the class session.
“His stories gave us hope. Mr. Luckadoo is still an example, just waiting to be followed,” said Blair.