The Untold Story of Jimmy Stewart: The Bomber Pilot Who Became a Hollywood Legend

When you think of Jimmy Stewart, the first image that comes to mind is probably the charming and iconic actor who graced the silver screen for over five decades. However, before he became a Hollywood legend, Stewart led an extraordinary life as a bomber pilot during World War II. This is the untold story of Jimmy Stewart, the man who conquered the skies and captured our hearts.

A Star in the Making

James Maitland Stewart was born on May 20, 1908, in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Growing up in a small town, he developed a passion for aviation from an early age. After graduating from Princeton University in 1932, Stewart pursued a career in acting, but his dreams were temporarily put on hold when he was drafted into the United States Army Air Corps in 1940.

Stewart quickly proved himself to be an exceptional pilot and rose through the ranks, eventually earning the rank of colonel. He was assigned to the 445th Bombardment Group of the Eighth Air Force, based in England. His experience flying the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bomber would shape his life in ways he could never have imagined.

Jimmy Stewart: Bomber Pilot

by Starr Smith(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9256 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	403 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

War on Two Fronts

Stewart flew numerous dangerous missions over Germany during the war, facing enemy fire and witnessing the horrors of battle first-hand. One particular mission, on August 13, 1944, would forever cement his place in history. As the lead aircraft in a bombing raid over the German city of Schweinfurt, Stewart's exceptional piloting skills and leadership saved the lives of his crew and ensured the success of the mission.

For his distinguished service, Stewart was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the Croix de Guerre. Despite facing the horrors of war, he remained humble about his achievements, often saying that he was just doing his duty.

From War Hero to Hollywood Star

After returning from the war, Stewart resumed his acting career with a newfound fame and respect. His experiences as a bomber pilot enriched his performances, bringing a depth and authenticity to his roles that set him apart from his peers. His breakthrough role came in Frank Capra's iconic film "It's a Wonderful Life," which showcased Stewart's unparalleled talent and made him a household name.

Over his illustrious career, Stewart starred in countless beloved films, including "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "The Philadelphia Story," and "Rear Window." He worked with some of the greatest directors of his time, such as Alfred Hitchcock and John Ford, and was honored with two Academy Awards for Best Actor.

A Lasting Legacy

While Jimmy Stewart's acting career continues to inspire generations, it is his bravery and heroism as a bomber pilot that truly defines him as a legend. He flew more than 20 combat missions and risked his life for his country, never seeking recognition or praise.

Stewart's military service did not end with World War II. In 1959, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in the United States Air Force Reserve, cementing his status as a true American hero.

An Enduring Inspiration

Jimmy Stewart's legacy lives on, not only in the films he left behind, but also in the hearts of those he touched. He exemplified the courage, integrity, and humility that make him a timeless hero.

So, the next time you enjoy one of Jimmy Stewart's unforgettable performances, take a moment to remember the bomber pilot who fearlessly took to the skies, protecting our freedom and capturing our hearts. His story is a testament to the incredible lives lived by the Hollywood stars who walked among us.

Jimmy Stewart: Bomber Pilot

by Starr Smith(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9256 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	403 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

Of all the celebrities who served their country during World War II -and they were legion -Jimmy Stewart was unique. On December 7th, when the attack on Pearl Harbor woke so many others to the reality of war, Stewart was already in uniform - as a private on guard duty south of San Francisco at the Army Air Corps Moffet Field. Seeing war on the horizon, Jimmy Stewart, at the height of his fame after Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and his Oscar-winning turn in The Phadelphia Story in 1940, had enlisted several months earlier.

Jimmy Stewart, Bomber Pilot chronicles his long journey to become a bomber pilot in combat. Author Starr Smith, the intelligence officer assigned to the movie star, recounts how Stewart's first battles were with the Air Corps high command, who insisted on keeping the naturally talented pilot out of harm's way as an instructor pilot for B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators. By 1944, however, Stewart managed to get assigned to a Liberator squadron that was deploying to England to join the mighty Eighth Air Force. Once in the thick of it, he rose to command his own squadron and flew twenty combat missions, including one to Berlin.
“My father would feel honored by this book.” —Kelly Stewart Harcourt, daughter of Jimmy Stewart
"We would have made Jimmy a group commander [equivalent to an army regiment] if the war had lasted another month." - General Jimmy Doolittle.

"An excellent biography of a distinguished airman and fine human being." - Roger Freeman, author of The Mighty Eighth: A History of the U.S. 8th Air Force.

"How wonderful it is that Starr Smith has finally directed a literary light on the personal history of Jimmy Stewart. . . . I welcomed Starr's book. It is needed and wanted. Bravo!" - Gay Talese.

"This is a very well researched and written book. . . . It fills a place in history about no mere actor but a courageous and selfless man, Brigadier General Jimmy Stewart, USAF." - General Michael E. Ryan, former Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

“I have met a few movie stars, but of them all, I think that Jimmy Stewart was most like those modest heroes he portrayed. Now journalist Starr Smith has raised the curtain on Stewart’s gallant service as a bomber pilot and air combat commander in World War II.” —Walter Cronkite, from the Foreword