Lucky 666

Bob Drury and Tom Clavin deliver a gripping account of one of World War II's most harrowing aerial missions in "Lucky 666: The Impossible Mission." The book chronicles the extraordinary story of a B-17 bomber crew that faced seemingly insurmountable odds during a reconnaissance mission over the Pacific in 1943, ultimately earning their captain the Medal of Honor.

The narrative centers on Captain Jay Zeamer and his handpicked crew of misfits and castoffs, men who had been deemed unsuitable for regular combat assignments by their superiors. These airmen, rejected by other crews and relegated to second-tier status, found each other and transformed a war-weary B-17E bomber into their own aircraft. The plane, numbered 666 and dubbed "Old 666," became their ticket to proving their worth in combat.

Drury and Clavin excel at bringing the personalities of the crew members to life. Jay Zeamer emerges as an unlikely hero, a man whose unorthodox approach and defiance of military convention masked exceptional skill and unwavering dedication to his men. The authors trace his journey from MIT graduate to bomber pilot, revealing how his independent streak both hindered his advancement and ultimately defined his leadership style. The supporting cast of crew members receives equally detailed treatment, with their individual backgrounds and motivations carefully documented.

The book's strength lies in its meticulous reconstruction of the June 1943 mission over Bougainville. The authors draw from military records, after-action reports, and interviews to create a minute-by-minute account of the ten-hour ordeal. The crew volunteered for what was essentially a photographic reconnaissance mission deep into Japanese-held territory, fully aware that they would be flying without fighter escort and facing overwhelming enemy opposition. What unfolded became one of the most intense aerial battles of the Pacific War.

The combat sequences are rendered with remarkable clarity and technical precision. Drury and Clavin demonstrate a firm grasp of aerial warfare mechanics, explaining the capabilities and limitations of both American and Japanese aircraft without bogging down the narrative in excessive technical detail. The description of Old 666 facing wave after wave of Japanese Zero fighters creates genuine tension, even though the outcome is known from the outset. The crew's resourcefulness in modifying their aircraft with additional machine guns proved crucial to their survival, a detail that underscores their ingenuity and determination.

Beyond the central mission, the book provides valuable context about the Pacific Theater and the often-overlooked air war in that region. The authors illuminate the strategic importance of photographic reconnaissance and the extraordinary risks faced by crews tasked with gathering intelligence over heavily defended enemy positions. The broader narrative includes details about military life in the Southwest Pacific, the challenges of operating in remote locations with limited resources, and the strategic decisions that shaped the campaign.

The aftermath of the mission receives thorough coverage, including the medical struggles faced by the wounded crew members and the process by which their actions were recognized. Both Zeamer and bombardier Joseph Sarnoski received the Medal of Honor, with Sarnoski's awarded posthumously. The entire crew received Distinguished Service Crosses, an unprecedented level of recognition that spoke to the extraordinary nature of their accomplishment.

The research underpinning the narrative is extensive and evident throughout. The authors consulted military archives, personal papers, and conducted interviews with surviving family members and veterans who knew the crew. This thorough groundwork allows them to present events with confidence and authority, avoiding speculation while maintaining narrative momentum. The attention to historical accuracy never comes at the expense of readability.

Some readers might find the pacing uneven, as the authors devote considerable space to background and context before reaching the central mission. However, this foundation proves essential for understanding the significance of what the crew accomplished and the obstacles they overcame simply to reach the point where they could attempt such a mission.

"Lucky 666" stands as a compelling example of narrative military history done right. Drury and Clavin have rescued a remarkable story from relative obscurity and presented it in a manner that honors the participants while engaging modern readers. The book serves both as a tribute to extraordinary courage and as an illuminating window into a specific aspect of World War II that deserves wider recognition. For readers interested in aviation history, World War II, or stories of unlikely heroes rising to meet impossible challenges, this account delivers on all fronts.