James M Stewart was one of a kind. He entered the military as a Private; retired as a General. In his spare time he made movies...all time classic films that are still cherished today. He and Gen Curtis LeMay founded the "Net Jet" concept of communal ownership of private planes. He was a proponent of environmental causes and his own daughter worked to protect endangered gorillas in Africa. The world is a better place for having had Major Gen Stewart in it.
A superbly-written, compiled, and narrated production of one of America's greatest patriots. Thank you for sharing this great tribute to the exemplary, modest, and heroic American that Jimmy Stewart was. Anil N. Heendeniya, SMSgt, US Air Force (retired)
THANK YOU so much for preparing this excellent tribute to MY FAVORITE actor of all time. No finer patriot has existed than Jimmy Stewart -- some his equal to be sure, but none better. He selflessly LAID IT ALL ON THE LINE by enlisting to serve even BEFORE the U.S. was officially in WW II (career, money, fame, his future earning potential, and his very life) when he didn't even have to serve. As a retired AF veteran myself and long time Jimmy Stewart fan since childhood, I already knew pretty much all the facts you presented EXCEPT the story you related about him declining his promotion to O-4 UNLESS his fellow officers were ALSO promoted a grade from 1Lt to Captain. What terrific LEADERSHIP !!!!!!!!!!!! The U.S. desperately needs MORE Jimmy Stewarts.
Any movie with Jimmy Stewart in it reflects American values, American culture, and American courage. Jimmy Stewart's character made him a role model for all.
Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to put this together. I had no idea about the extent of his military service. What a true patriot and hero!! I agree with one of the previous comments.. he would have made an unbelievable President of our country. May he rest in peace and may this story continue to be told and to inspire all present and future generations to come!
Thank you for a wonderful production on the military career of this honorable, humble man. I never knew he suffered from PTSD, but the before and after pictures speak for trauma.
Thank you for putting this together. These were amazing people. Loved watching his characters since I was a little boy! I pray this nation remembers what true evil is and what true good and honor is .
Fantastic video. I used to live not too far from Tibenham and Old Buckenham,and after reading 'Jimmy Stewart Bomber Pilot' I felt I should visit Old Buckenham and pay my respects to Jimmy and the men who served under him, and give thanks for the help that the USAAF gave to this country during WW2. Bless you Jimmy,you were truly a great pilot,but more importantly,a wonderful human being.
I so agree. Can you imagine the culture shock of living in a village in the midlands and to have a massive influx of Yanks such as happened in 1942-43? I’m certain there are thousands of stories waiting to be heard from that period. I hope people who were so young then are able to recount their stories on the record. I feel as if we should take phone, recorder and camera and visit those we know (or don’t know) in towns and villages before they’re gone.
I always have enjoyed watching James Stewart as an Actor and knew he had served as a Pilot during WW2. I did not know the history behind his Service, it is truly amazing and inspiring. He was truly a man of honor courage, dedication and distinction; who led by example! Thank you for sharing his story with us.
This man was a true hero! His story is truly inspiring. Men like him and Audie Murphy are a rare breed. As someone has already stated., he would have made a great President! A man of honor, courage, and humility. A true star in every way.
I have admired his talent and service to our country ever since seeing his movie "Strategic Air Command" in 1955. Never dreamed that I would one day serve in a B-52 outfit in SAC. I could hear just a few words of his voice and know that it was him, my all time favorite actor. This video was very good and it filled the gap in my knowledge about his military history. Thanks!
The research, the articulation and the comprehensive detail sets this effort apart from the average historical portrayal. It was only possible by one such as Colin Kimball. His devotion to duty goes well above the average and is one of the reasons he was the recipient of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW) Bronze Patrick Henry Award, a award for Excellence in Community Endeavors. This film lends testament to the awarded credit. WELL DONE! Colonel Joe Cordina, Commander Emeritus, 2015, Dallas Chapter.
Failed his physical for being UNDER-weight! How often does THAT happen nowadays?? SO...if he were in the Marines, the DI would have said: "....and are you supposed to EAT carrots and celery?" "Sir-negative SIR!" "and, why is THAT?!?" "Because I'm skinnier than Sinatra, SIR" "Because Yewwww are a disgusting THIN body!!" Sometimes, you need to worry about Hyperthyroidism and even Schizophrenia with an underweight young person. Nowadays, McDonald's and KFC are doing their "patriotic duty."