James Stewart at War: His Career in the USAAF

Before the US entered WWII, James Stewart was a famous Hollywood actor who had obtained his private pilot's license and commercial pilot's license. He was called into active duty in 1942 and served as a pilot until the end of the year. In 1943, he was appointed Commander of the 703rd Bombardment Squadron and undertook his first bombing mission on 13 December 1943. He participated in raids against targets across Germany, including Berlin, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions. After the war, Stewart returned to the silver screen and continued to play a role in the Army Air Forces reserve, becoming the highest-ranking actor in American military history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

James Stewart, a Hollywood icon, rose to fame before the United States entered World War II in December 1941. His remarkable journey began with an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1940 for his outstanding performance in "The Philadelphia Story." By the time the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Stewart had become a household name, captivating audiences with his charm and talent.

Prior to the war, Stewart had already obtained his private pilot's license and, when his name was drawn by the Drafting Commission on October 29, 1940, he applied to join the US Army Air Corps. His determination to fly in combat led him to continue his pilot training, and just twelve days before his draft, he obtained his commercial pilot's license.

On January 18, 1942, Stewart's military career took a significant turn when he was called into active duty. He was transferred to the 929th Bombardier Training School, located at Kirtland Field in New Mexico, on August 19, 1942. There, he served as a pilot until the end of the year, despite his film company securing a static personnel role. Undeterred, Stewart was determined to fulfill his dream of flying in combat.

As fate would have it, Captain James Maitland Stewart was appointed as the Commander of the 703rd Bombardment Squadron. His operational war began on November 17, 1943, when he landed in the United Kingdom. Flying in a Consolidated B-24 Liberator, Stewart undertook his first bombing mission on December 13, 1943, targeting the German U-boat facilities at Kiel.

In just seven days, Stewart was sent on another mission to attack a target in Germany, this time the port of Bremen. Over the next fifteen months, he completed eighteen additional missions, participating in raids against various targets across Germany, including Berlin. His contributions to the victory over Germany were immense, and his story is a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who served during World War II.

Stewart's journey in the military is meticulously documented in this book, with detailed analysis of his missions and a fabulous collection of photographs that showcase the aircraft he flew and the men he flew with. His experiences and contributions to the war effort are a testament to the indomitable spirit of the American people and their unwavering determination to defeat the enemy.

In conclusion, James Stewart's journey from a Hollywood star to a decorated military pilot is a remarkable tale of courage, determination, and sacrifice. His unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and his contributions to the victory over Germany are a source of inspiration for generations to come. This book serves as a tribute to his remarkable life and legacy.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399066952