Stewart, Jimmy | Research & Encyclopedia Articles

(b. May 20, 1908; d. July 7, 1997) Actor, pilot, and Colonel in Army Air Force in World War II; served as Brigadier General in Air Force Reserves.

Jimmy Stewart is one of America's most beloved movie stars, playing common men in heroic roles in classics such as It's a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. But he also was a courageous patriot in real life, actively seeking wartime service during World War II in the Army Air Force (AAF) and eventually achieving the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

James Maitland Stewart was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania. His family had military roots: both grandfathers had fought in the Civil War, and his father had served during both the Spanish-American War and World War I. Jimmy considered his father to be the biggest influence on his life, so it is not surprising that when another war came, another Stewart would be in uniform.

Though Jimmy had already won an Oscar for The Philadelphia Story and was recognized as one of Holly-wood's top leading men, he never considered trying to evade his 1940 draft notice. He called the draft "the only lottery I ever won." While many other prominent people were coming up with reasons to avoid active service, he became the first major movie star to wear a uniform.

But it was not easy. The AAF had strict height and weight requirements for new recruits, and Jimmy was five pounds under the standard. To get up to 148 pounds, he enlisted the help of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's muscle man, Don Loomis, who was legendary for his ability to add or subtract pounds in his studio gymnasium. But he failed with Jimmy, who was rejected for being under-weight. Refusing to accept that verdict, he persuaded the AAF enlistment officer to run new tests, this time skipping the weigh-in. Jimmy passed this evaluation, earning a new job with a salary that was $12,000 a month less than he was paid by his movie contract.

Jimmy loved to fly, having gained his pilot's license in 1935. Though early in the war he narrated documentaries for the Office of War Information and hosted some radio shows to support the military, he actively sought a combat role as a pilot. He worked his way from boot camp to flight school, earning his officer's commission and pilot's wings. In November 1943, he flew to Europe with the 445th Bomb Group (Heavy) of the Eighth Air Force.

For his leadership and flying skills, Major Stewart was given command of the bomb group's 703rd Squadron. He flew a score of combat missions and earned six Battle

Stars. Like many flyers he admitted praying a lot, but he didn't pray for himself. His main request to the Lord was to avoid any mistakes that might cost the lives of his men. His wartime decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm. By the time the war ended, he had been promoted to Colonel and become Chief of Staff of the 2nd Combat Wing of the 2nd Division, Eighth Air Force.

After 1945 Stewart continued to serve the Air Force on the screen and in uniform. He hosted tributes to servicemen during the Korean War and starred in the movie Strategic Air Command in 1955, a film designed to glorify that organization in the eyes of the American public and to inspire recalled reservists to resume military careers. His own love of flying was very evident in the passion displayed by his character of Tom Hamilton, who gives up his stardom in professional baseball in order to pilot new jet bombers. Stewart continued his own career in the Air Force Reserves, achieving the rank of Brigadier General in 1959. When he retired in 1968, he received the Distinguished Service Medal.

The Stewart family tradition of courageous military service was carried on by his stepson Ronald, who was tragically killed as a Marine in Vietnam in 1969, earning a Silver Star. Jimmy received one final recognition from a grateful nation in 1985, when he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. When he died, the United States lost one of its greatest actors and finest citizens.

Motion Pictures, World War I and World War II; Wayne, John.

Amory, Cleveland. "The Man Even Hollywood Likes." Parade (October 21, 1984): 4–9.

Crane, Conrad. Bombs, Cities, and Civilians: American Airpower Strategy in World War II. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 1993.

Crane, Conrad. American Airpower Strategy in Korea. Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 2000.

The James M. Stewart Museum website. Available from <http://www.jimmy.org>

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