Dave, that's great information. Reminiscences like your grandfathers always help to fill in the bigger picture of what these humble guys went through to keep us free. Thanks.
My stepfather (B24 pilot) also served with him in 2nd Air Division, I believe Jimmy was the squadron no 2 at that time (going from memory on the position thing). He was very proud of the fact that at reunions Jimmy always acknowledged the squadron members, he considered Jimmy a very down to earth person, not the persona of a big Hollywood star.
My Dad was an enlisted man during WW 2 in the Eighth Air Force stationed at an air base in England.In addition to his usual duties he was a duty driver.One particular day word was passed Lt. Col. Stewart and his Crew in a B-17 would be landing for a short stay.When the B-17 landed,my Dad had the honor and duty to drive Lt. Col Stewart and His Officers in the officer vehicle and the Crew rode in another vehicle.They were going to make a stop at the PX,and the drivers were asked to wait.When they were done their shopping they came back to the vehicles for the ride back.Lt. Col. Stewart in his famous voice thanked my Dad.The Crew then climbed into their plane and took off.I am extremely proud of my Dad and His service.Some time(months) later Dad and many other enlisted men were transferred to the Infantry.After infantry training in the US,they were sent to Europe for duty.Dad did not talk about the war,but liked to tell this story of Lt. Col. Stewart.
He was promoted to brigadier general for good reason, I think. Humble, modest man, excellent pilot, superb actor, patriotic American. They don't make 'em like that anymore.
Agreed. James Stewart was not only a fine actor, but a very good military officer and commander. He knew how to effectively command troops and and to organize his unit into an effective fighting force. I have the book, "Jimmy Stewart Bomber Pilot" and a signed letter (autograph) from him that have special meaning to me as a fellow pilot who, while not having the talents of Jimmy, knows that special feeling of turning into the wind, receiving clearance, and "breaking the surly bonds of earth" to play amongst the clouds!
I've just had a look at his military record on Wikipedia. He really put himself in harm's way and flew over some pretty extreme hot spots in WWII including Bremen and Berlin. He could so easily have been lost (US airforce personal died in their hundreds in the European theatre) but at the same time could so easily have avoided putting himself in that position. A real hero.
Oh yea - he was quite the guy. My brother used to talk to him when he would come down to pick his car up after service. He was fine gentle man, no ego, just character. We miss you Jimmy and the men and women of your generation. thank you for what you did.
A quiet unassuming man of good character. Great actor and military man served country in many ways. It was a sad day when he passed. Wish I could have met him.
Always my favorite actor, and when I found out on the Johnny Carson Show that he was a Brig. General and had served in WWII, my respect grew even more. Like other actors, he did not go into the entertainment division of the army, Stewart went to war. Interesting in the video that he was drafted and spent some time as an enlisted man. And, oh, that distinctive voice.
actually he was to old to be drafted, but he volonteered, was rejected because he was too skinny to army standards, with help of Burgess Meredith and another soldier he tricked himself into service and then the army did not allow him to combat missions and he really had to fight for months till they finally let him got to Europe to fly combat missions. I just read the book about his army career, (it´s on Amazon) and it´s quite fascinating
He was one of the greatest - and my favourite - actors of all time. But first, in my view, he should be remembered as a war hero. One of thousands of American heroes who came to Britain and, with enormous, selfless, unparalleled heroism, saw us safely home against the Nazi disease that had spread all over the rest of Europe. Britain was almost dead when Americans like James Stewart came along. America, through people like him, brought us back to life. I guarantee one thing, as long as I am alive and according to the way I have been brought up, we shall always remember. God bless the USA and God bless great American heroes like Jimmy Stewart. Examples both.
Based on the quite remarkable ovations Mr. Stewart received from the theater-goers in London (not matched in enthusiasm by theater-goers in NYC) when he appeared onstage in the play "Harvey" in the early 1970's, I think the British public had even more admiration for him than did we Americans. Since very few people from either nation had actually met Mr. Stewart, I think the difference was due to the differences in British mass media versus American mass media.
@@GoodmanMIke59 People forget....we weren't alone. We had the Empire, it's a popular misconception that "little England" was alone. The truth was far different.
Spare us your smug American exceptionalism. America, "Leader of the Free World", did absolutely nothing for two years while the Nazis over ran Europe. It was only Hitler's declaration of war against the USA after Pearl Harbor that brought America into the was against Germany. By the way, why is American heroism "unparalleled". Are you claiming that Americans are more heroic than any one else?
I remember Walter Matthau jokingly mentioning how, during his service in James Stewart’s unit (apparently, he was a radio operator and machine gunner), he enjoyed attending the occasional briefing just to watch his CO do his Jimmy Stewart impression.
Thank you for posting that clip. Today I fly a small aircraft (I suppose I should call it an 'airplane') from that same field 'somewhere in England' where Mr Stewart and his compatriots were based. I never start a flight from there without thinking of the 8th Air Forces sacrifice. Bless 'em all.
I really enjoy this man's personality; he was so grounded and humble...a lovely man. I wonder if I was born too late? Anyhow, great posting, many thanks!
A friend of mine who passed away in 1987 was a crew member on a bomber with him during WW11 his name was Howard Demmy..Jimmy was a wonderful actor +we all miss him.
That is correct, but even as an observer, he was risking his life again, in the line of duty, B52’s were also shot down in Vietnam. This truly a great man
that goes for many who served and never got help. For Jimmy that's the consequence of war is death and lots of it. He wanted to be with his men and sadly in war people die and he saw a lot of death meaning bombers going down. That's a big reason why he never talked about his WWII experience because of the PTSD and the constant death.
His acting roles are said to have really helped him move forward. He REALLY struggled on the set of "Its A Wonderful Life", but slowly bit by bit he began to embrace it and that's how he found freedom (other cast members helped him as well).
How nostalgic this makes me. My dad was constantly noticed for his resemblance to Mr. Stewart. I have wonderful memories of my dad in this uniform. My dad did not serve in combat, no fault of his. He was an engineer officer. He was a wonderful father to us kids and I will love him forever. How lucky I was to have had him -- if he had fallen as so many others did, I and my brother and sister would have grown up without him.
Thank you so much for the narrative outlining his impressive military career, and his efforts to stay active rather than doing "celebrity service". I knew much, but certainly not all, of his service. Tom Brokaw said it best with the phrase The Greatest Generation. We need to raise a generation like this again.
What a great video. Thanks for posting this rare footage from the time when Jimmy sacrificed his career and personal gain to serve his country. Jimmy was not only a great actor but a great American and a fine human being. We see too few of his kind today. May he rest in peace.
There were a lot of actors that quit their careers for a short time to join the military back then. I have to say they have my respect. Thank you for posting. Please, keep up the good work.
God Bless him yet another reason to love this gentleman. Even though I am 22 I wish I could have met him some time in my life. There will not be anyone like him especially in Hollywood. He is one of the few people in Hollywood that I would like to meet.
hats off to mr stewart for his service and risking his life for the free world. another great actor charles bronson also was a tail gunner on a b-29 durring the war btw ,and im proud or these men. god rest their souls
Awarded 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and an Air Medal with 3 oak clusters while flying 20 combat missions with the 8th Air Force. Air crews in this unit suffered a higher casualty rate than any unit in any branch of service in any theater of war. Rose from the rank of private to full Colonel in 4 years, and eventually retired as a Brigadier General. He was a hero among a unit of heros.
+Larry N My father flew under Stewart in a B-24. He was a belly turret gunner and bombardier. He received the DFC with 4 oak leaf clusters with 30 combat missions. He flew on the "Male Call" when it was new. He's been gone since Memorial day 2001. I miss him so much.
Your father was a great man. I can't imagine the courage it took to climb aboard the bomber to fly missions in Europe. The 8th Air Force lost more air crew than was lost by the valiant Marines fighting a battle tested enemy in the pacific. The turret gunners had the toughest assignment as they had almost no chance of getting out of the ball turret alive if the plane was downed. Few crews survived 30 missions. Your father was very lucky, and was a hero, well deserving of the DFC.
My Dad ,also , served in the”Mighty Eighth” in the 359 fighter Group. As a follow up to Larry N’s point; the Eighth suffer more casualties then the entire U.S. Navy, including the Marine Corp.
Actually, the Coast Guard suffered the highest percentage of casualties, I read. But flying over Germany was horrific. A political science prof at North Georgia College who had flown B-17s in WW II told us of a general who had been in the Pacific Theater flying co-pilot for a lieutenant in a B-17 on a bombing raid over Germany. The general saw a German fighter, grabbed the controls and started to go after the fighter. The pilot hit him over the head with a fire extinguisher and got the plane back into formation. When they got back the general had the pilot court marshaled. When the assembled court heard the general describe what had happened they all started laughing and threw out the charge. They knew that German pilots were much deadlier than Japanese and that the bomber would have been shot down.
Hi Bomberguy. I just wanted to say thank you for posting the footage of the steam powered aeroplane of the Besler's. Also for the footage of James Stewart. I have been an admirer of James for some years. He personified an example of a special human being. The steam powered aeroplane was fascinating and has given me a topic to read more about. Thanks again. Best wishes from PSF.
my dad flew in the 457th heavy bomber group out of glatton uk, his skills and that of his navigator put him in the lead plane on a couple of missions and he told me that Jimmy was in one of them
I am an advid reader on the subject of WWII aviation. I was amazed to learn of the exploits of Jimmy Stewart during WWII. His courage as a combat pilot coupled with his leadership skills won him the respect of the men under his command as well as the American people. I remember reading about a mission in which Jimmy Stewart flew a severely damaged B 24 back to its based which after he and his crew disembarked split in 2 on the runway. A crew member of Stewart's who was in total shock looking at the aircraft he just got out of was stunned by Stewart's cool response of "You know flying these planes is a dangerous business". Mr Stewart never used his status as a celbrity to keep him out of harms way. He instead chose the path placing himself directly in the line of fire. He in my opinion is the true leader and hero.
You may or may not know this, but it shows how much he wanted to serve. Stewart was turned down by the military when he tried to join....... Because he was too thin. He went on an eating spree to get his weight up so he could join.
One of my favorite people. He would sneak out on missions and not log them in because the mission limit was 20, and later 25 and the crews were rotated home and he clearly wanted to be there. He was in the Air Force reserves after the war and was still there when President Eisenhower promoted him to brigadier general in the Air Force Reserves in 1957. In the reserves he had piloted B 36, B 47 and B 52 bombers. Jimmy Stewart did a tour of Air Force installations and went on a B 52 mission from Guam to bomb Vietnam in Feb 1966 (Look for the story "Mr. Stewart Goes to Vietnam). Thanks for your extensive text monologue and for posting this video!
The most dangerous job during WW II was in an aircraft in combat. My father was a B-17 bomber pilot, went down in Denmark on his 3rd mission, was captured and spent 19 months as a POW in Stalag Luft III. I can't imagine the risk Jimmy Stewart took to fly 50 missions. He was very lucky, but I'm sure a lot of it was flying skill. What a remarkable man.
Patricia Martin Better be careful what you say, miss, or some snot-nose millennial imbecile barely out of diapers and freshly brainwashed from college will call your awesome Dad a war criminal.
Yes Jimmy Stewart took considerable risk to undertake 50 combat missions. But it was in fact relatively safe; the USAAF 8th airforce in the ETO recorded around about a 7.5% death rate (plus similar wounder rate). The most dangerous job in WWII was probably Germany's U-boat arm with around a 75% casualty rate (the vast majority of those being deaths). Other highly dangerous occupations were RAF Bomber Command at about 45% death rate and US and UK Merchant Marine sailors. Highly dangerous US occupations were US Army and Navy special services (paratroopers and marines etc.). Generally speaking Japanese, Russian and German casualty rates for any given occupation far exceeded US loss rates.
@@smidon 8th Air Force had the highest death rate of any branch of the US military in WW2; higher than Marines, etc. Not as bad as U Boats for sure...but the 8th was 350,000 out of 2.5 million in US Army Air Force yet suffered more than half of all its WW2 casualties (26,000 dead; 47,000 casualties)...as a comparison total US Marine dead was 19,000 out of 500,000...Bomber Command did indeed lost a horrible amount...
As an Air Force member stationed overseas in Vietnam for almost two years, I met Jimmy and his wife at Cantho (the provincial capital of the 4th Corps) in the Republic of Vietnam in 1965 while on a USO tour. I can personally echo Opal's sentiments below, he was a great actor and military man of honor and leader as she pointed out. He was very gracious and gave me his autograph as a momento of our meeting. My first military assignment was with the Strategic Air Command at Pease AFB, N.H. Strangely enough I loved his portrayal of Lt Col Dutch Holland in the movie, "The Strategic Air Command." (1955) www.imdb.com/title/tt0048667/
Thank you for the video and Jimmy Stewart was a great actor and I still enjoy all his movies and grateful for his service! My dad served in the Air Force in Korea during the war .
Our high school was sat next to the airfield of his first UK posting at Old Buckenham, & our geography & form master was an ex-RAF officer who had served & had remained in contact with Stewart for many years. Stewart's other postings at Hethel & his HQ at Ketteringham Hall are now/were the Lotus Cars & Team Lotus F1 HQ's respectively.....
Since you posted a lot has changed at Hethel. Lotus no longer have an F1 team at Ketteringham Hall anymore. Which is sad. Although classic team Lotus are about. It’s amazing to think Jimmy Stewart was stationed there during the war. Makes it feel all the more special for me as I work at Hethel on the old airbase site.
My dad served in the same unit, 453rd BG, part of the 2nd Air Division of the US Army Air Corps. The 2AD flew B-24s exclusively. Jimmy would go to the 2nd Air Division reunions over the years, as just one of the guys. It was understood that he would not discuss any Hollywood subjects (nor give autographs), only family, friends, and remembrances of his service in the war, and later in the Air force.
Jimmy Stewart was one of my favorite actors, so in 1979 I went to Beverly Hills, Ca. to see his house on Roxbury Drive (# 1000) I think! After I had finished shooting a short bit of movie film of my daughter in front ( no video tape yet), we went to drive away when a silver Beetle convertible came 'barreling' down the street. The driver slowed down to give us a stare! It was 'Janet' from "Three's Company"! So unfortunately, I never got to see my idol, but nearly had a car accident in front of his house! p.s. I went by again,in 1999, & the house had been torn down to build a Mansion on his & his next door neighbor's property! We'll miss you, Jimmy!
He was a hero first and an actor second. If you ask most people, it is as if he was a member of the family. He was just THAT special. There is no one in Hollywood today who can touch him at all.
Oh Puhleese! No comparison! There are quite a few pilots among H'Wood celebs, but NOT all are very good ones, I'm afraid! As a long-time (SAFE) GA pilot myself, Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford are two that I would not fly with if you paid me to! Both should have their licenses revoked, and only their notoriety keeps that from happening, I guess.
Some Actors save us money by cutting out the price gouging companies who rip us off! Not Mint Mobile Cellular phone company Ryan Reynolds owns now! Look at what you get for $15...
I don't live too far from Jimmy Stewart's old WW2 airfield at Old Buckenham,Norfolk. England. There's a small museum to him there,and the airfield is still used for private flying. Rest in Peace Sir.
thanks so much for posting this video. I really am in awe of how a guy like Jimmy Stewart could accomplish so much in his life and still remain a genuinely humble and "regular" guy. after everything I've read about him and heard him say, this is my impression of him...he was a gentleman, someone who loved God, his family, and his country. I'm sure he wasn't perfect, but he certainly was someone to be looked up to. I respect him so much and only wish there were more of his kind today.
We will never see the actors of today in such a film General Stewart and other actors of that time were true American Patriots Thank You all for your service unlike the actors of today
Hi Robert, I don't recall reading that. The last WWII Aviation book I read was Big Week which gave me more details on Jimmy's heroism than other book I read.
Jimmy Stewart was the operations officer for the 453rd bomb group from March 44 to May 44. My Dad was with the 453rd bomb 733rd squadron. Dad was shot down 25 April 44. Ended up in Stalag 17B. B24 42-95019, . LTC
Kenneth Lincoln, my late Uncle Lyle A.Taylor was shot down at that same time & was in stalag 17 but I didn't know there were alphabet lettering to go along with it, so can't say for sure if he was in the same camp as your Dad. Much respect for everyone who did their part in that War.
These Kids that leave hateful messages about American/British Hero's never knew how awful that war was. Never longed for food or feared for their life.
these mouthy little bastards need about ten weeks of basic at MCRD ,San Diego Even with that , we recently had one that jumped the fence and ran across the runway at Lindbergh Field. OH MOMMY MOMMY SAVE ME ! What an embarassment for other kids there. The new Marine recruits I meet here are great......just too few of them
My Uncle Joe was a crew chief in the 455th BG/702nd BS at Tibenham. Don't know if he ever met Jimmy Stewart, he never mentioned it, and I was really young when I knew him.
Jim was first at 445th as the 703unit Squadron Commander, then promoted to Ops-commander of the whole 453rd. I'm sure your Uncle would have known him. But they generally came back with severe ptsd and simply unable to discuss the horrors of combat
I cant stay enough good thing about jimmy. I have a teen age boy and its sad he does not have a role model like this today. Im in my mid 60 and remember alot of men like him.
+carsbyjeff "true american heroes" such as skull&bones, bilderberger, alluminati, roosevelts, rothschilds, morgans,.. we love you all, true american heroes...but it would be extremely nice, if you left the rest of the world alone and didn't bomb us just because your high finance is bankrupt. you distroyed japan, mexico, lybia, syria, afghanistan, iraq, now europe.. we don't want your damn TTIP..
Paul Bradford : true but right at the moment (disorder in London) it sometimes feels like it was (in vain), there doesn’t appear to be any respect for the greatest generation.
@@jujitusuka I remember the vets from WW 1 slowly but inevitably passing away in the 80's. Equally as sad. So much sacrifice. They gave their all. Remember them too.
My late father was attached to the RCAF and flew 33 missions as a tail gunner in Halifaxes. He told me that in 1944 (or 45) his plane had to divert to a US bomber base because of fog at his own airfield ( Leeming Bar, Yorkshire). When they landed the CO of the airbase kindly loaned my father a Pound note so the crew could buy some beers. Rather embarrassingly my father confessed shortly before he died that he had not paid back the loan. You will have guessed by now that the CO was James Stewart. I wonder how much it would cost at present day value to repay that loan to the estate of James Stewart? Peter Bradshaw
I admire this good heart of our late actor Jimmy Stewart. He was deacon of Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church where I became a member. His spirit and sense of class makes him incredibly reputable, remembered and very much so a role model. Best to his family always. Tyler Lord Hamilton
Thanks for sharing Tyler. Not only was he a great actor and military veteran, he was a decent, Christian man. I'm sure it was wonderful to be a fellow member of the church. God Bless...
My dad served with him in WW 2. Is there any way I can get a list of personnel for his bomber group. He was Primarily a fueler, But flew 5 missions as a waist gunner.
+Patrick Deluca My dad was in the 8th also, saw him. He was just like he seemed. About crew lists-try, Major Gelvin, 448 Leisure World, Mesa, AZ 85206 480-654-9249 e-mail: Displeaseddog@msm.com He might have passed. Let me know directly how it worked out for you. nc6p@yahoo.com Son of turret gunner on the Little Bill, a B-24.
For those interested, An Emotional Gauntlet by Stuart J Wright could be worth reading. Jimmy Stewart's service is mentioned and commented upon by men who were there. Dave Hanson's grandfather's views were widely shared. He continued to serve after WWII, eventually retiring as a Brigadier General. He was buried with Full Honours, and rightly so!
Jimmy Stewart was a true American hero! And one of the greatest actors of all time! No other actor had his range. From drama to comedy, he was a genius!
It is amazing how many of the actors back then served in combat roles. Really a great many and just like most of the men who served, rarely ever talked about it. God bless them ,we don't have many of them left
He was a good, decent person. It is too bad actors are not like Jimmy in our time. My husband is in the airforce and he highly respects Jimmy Stewart's service with our country and so do I. :)
I am a die hard Jimmy Stewart fan. It's incredible what he did for America and how far up in the military ranks he went. I am reading "Jimmy Stewart Bomber Pilot". Great reading.
I met James Stewart when I was a teenager, my dad was a stationed at Loring AFB in Maine. He came to our teen club we had on Base, met him, and danced with him..of course as teens all of us were excited. .Rest in Peace..
This man was on the public screen making A rated movies my entire life. To know he was a real war hero is potent information. He’s made all from my generation proud to be Americans.
This man, Jimmy Stewart, is a role model we are missing today.
Too bad we don't have righteous wars like we use to either.
@@markfrench8892 Yup. Since 2002...only BS "wars." NO threat to the nation...just pure BS "wars" that have consumed Fortune & good men...to what end?
I have said it, and I stand by my words. class died with jimmy stewart. nobody even knows what it was any more.
@@Buck123four Phoney war?
@@lukewarmwater6412 True, he was a Brigadier General as well.
And married to just one woman, his beloved bride Gloria for 44 years.
My Grandfather served with Lt. Col. Stewart in England during WW 2. He remembered him as a very proficient, professional, and very courteous officer.
God bless them both.
Respect to them both and a big thanks from someone who lives in the 🇬🇧!
Dave, that's great information. Reminiscences like your grandfathers always help to fill in the bigger picture of what these humble guys went through to keep us free. Thanks.
My stepfather (B24 pilot) also served with him in 2nd Air Division, I believe Jimmy was the squadron no 2 at that time (going from memory on the position thing). He was very proud of the fact that at reunions Jimmy always acknowledged the squadron members, he considered Jimmy a very down to earth person, not the persona of a big Hollywood star.
My Dad was an enlisted man during WW 2 in the Eighth Air Force stationed at an air base in England.In addition to his usual duties he was a duty driver.One particular day word was passed Lt. Col. Stewart and his Crew in a B-17 would be landing for a short stay.When the B-17 landed,my Dad had the honor and duty to drive Lt. Col Stewart and His Officers in the officer vehicle and the Crew rode in another vehicle.They were going to make a stop at the PX,and the drivers were asked to wait.When they were done their shopping they came back to the vehicles for the ride back.Lt. Col. Stewart in his famous voice thanked my Dad.The Crew then climbed into their plane and took off.I am extremely proud of my Dad and His service.Some time(months) later Dad and many other enlisted men were transferred to the Infantry.After infantry training in the US,they were sent to Europe for duty.Dad did not talk about the war,but liked to tell this story of Lt. Col. Stewart.
He was promoted to brigadier general for good reason, I think. Humble, modest man, excellent pilot, superb actor, patriotic American.
They don't make 'em like that anymore.
Agreed. James Stewart was not only a fine actor, but a very good military officer and commander. He knew how to effectively command troops and and to organize his unit into an effective fighting force. I have the book, "Jimmy Stewart Bomber Pilot" and a signed letter (autograph) from him that have special meaning to me as a fellow pilot who, while not having the talents of Jimmy, knows that special feeling of turning into the wind, receiving clearance, and "breaking the surly bonds of earth" to play amongst the clouds!
I've just had a look at his military record on Wikipedia. He really put himself in harm's way and flew over some pretty extreme hot spots in WWII including Bremen and Berlin. He could so easily have been lost (US airforce personal died in their hundreds in the European theatre) but at the same time could so easily have avoided putting himself in that position. A real hero.
>^..^< Sadly, they don't make Americans like Mr. J. Stewart any longer and we don't have hardly any left from that era now either.....
My Father met him in Vietnam RIP General Stewart RIP Major Richard Arthur Goldhammer USAF Korea Vietnam Arlington
5
We are going
July2,1997 Jimmy passed away. He was a wonderful actor and military hero. Jimmy is my favorite actor and may he rest in peace.
Oh yea - he was quite the guy. My brother used to talk to him when he would come down to pick his car up after service. He was fine gentle man, no ego, just character. We miss you Jimmy and the men and women of your generation. thank you for what you did.
A quiet unassuming man of good character. Great actor and military man served country in many ways. It was a sad day when he passed. Wish I could have met him.
A great Soldier/airmen, husband, father, actor, friend, and above all.........a great American!
I'm Australian and would be proud to salute such a fine soldier and gentleman
may he rest in peace.
God Bless .
May God protect and Bless Australia.
A great actor, a great aviator, a great American
and a great human being!
Always my favorite actor, and when I found out on the Johnny Carson Show that he was a Brig. General and had served in WWII, my respect grew even more. Like other actors, he did not go into the entertainment division of the army, Stewart went to war. Interesting in the video that he was drafted and spent some time as an enlisted man. And, oh, that distinctive voice.
actually he was to old to be drafted, but he volonteered, was rejected because he was too skinny to army standards, with help of Burgess Meredith and another soldier he tricked himself into service and then the army did not allow him to combat missions and he really had to fight for months till they finally let him got to Europe to fly combat missions. I just read the book about his army career, (it´s on Amazon) and it´s quite fascinating
@@michaelhuck Thanks so much for clarifying this point. Makes me admire him even more.
He was one of the greatest - and my favourite - actors of all time. But first, in my view, he should be remembered as a war hero. One of thousands of American heroes who came to Britain and, with enormous, selfless, unparalleled heroism, saw us safely home against the Nazi disease that had spread all over the rest of Europe. Britain was almost dead when Americans like James Stewart came along. America, through people like him, brought us back to life.
I guarantee one thing, as long as I am alive and according to the way I have been brought up, we shall always remember. God bless the USA and God bless great American heroes like Jimmy Stewart. Examples both.
The UK wasn't dead. It was fighting back.
Based on the quite remarkable ovations Mr. Stewart received from the theater-goers in London (not matched in enthusiasm by theater-goers in NYC) when he appeared onstage in the play "Harvey" in the early 1970's, I think the British public had even more admiration for him than did we Americans. Since very few people from either nation had actually met Mr. Stewart, I think the difference was due to the differences in British mass media versus American mass media.
@@asc.445 Yes, they were, but Sir, if they weren't dead then they were on the ropes.
@@GoodmanMIke59 People forget....we weren't alone. We had the Empire, it's a popular misconception that "little England" was alone.
The truth was far different.
Spare us your smug American exceptionalism. America, "Leader of the Free World", did absolutely nothing for two years while the Nazis over ran Europe. It was only Hitler's declaration of war against the USA after Pearl Harbor that brought America into the was against Germany. By the way, why is American heroism "unparalleled". Are you claiming that Americans are more heroic than any one else?
I remember Walter Matthau jokingly mentioning how, during his service in James Stewart’s unit (apparently, he was a radio operator and machine gunner), he enjoyed attending the occasional briefing just to watch his CO do his Jimmy Stewart impression.
That's funny! Great information. Thanks.
I wonder how many of today's film stars would have followed his example. A very humble and inspiring gentleman.
None
Jimmy Stewart was truly an American Gem!
Jimmy Stewart, thank you so much for sharing your life and times with us. You are one of a kind.
Thank you for posting that clip. Today I fly a small aircraft (I suppose I should call it an 'airplane') from that same field 'somewhere in England' where Mr Stewart and his compatriots were based. I never start a flight from there without thinking of the 8th Air Forces sacrifice.
Bless 'em all.
There was a true Officer and a Gentleman, although he was a well known actor, but served anyway, now that is a HERO!
God Bless Jimmy Stewart
I really enjoy this man's personality; he was so grounded and humble...a lovely man. I wonder if I was born too late? Anyhow, great posting, many thanks!
A friend of mine who passed away in 1987 was a crew member on a bomber with him during WW11 his name was Howard Demmy..Jimmy was a wonderful actor +we all miss him.
How can anyone dislike this video? One of Hollywood's true heroes
Little known fact? Stewart also flew on a B-52 Raid over North Vietnam as a One star General in the USAFR.
Yeah but only as an observer - not as a Command Pilot -- but I guess he would have had a 'sit in the seat' for a while.
How long Mr. James M. (Jimmy) Stewart was in South Vietnam War?
Captain Glen Ford, USNR did a tour in Vietnam as well. Interesting how many movie stars were also active in the military reserves as well.
That is correct, but even as an observer, he was risking his life again, in the line of duty, B52’s were also shot down in Vietnam. This truly a great man
@@gilbertogonzalezr9353 Not many like that in Hollywood today....😷 He had time in the B-36,B-47, 52 and B-58....🤠
Jimmy suffered severe PTSD for the rest of his life. Going on missions where 14 planes were lost. 140 men he was responsible for and the commander of!
that goes for many who served and never got help. For Jimmy that's the consequence of war is death and lots of it. He wanted to be with his men and sadly in war people die and he saw a lot of death meaning bombers going down. That's a big reason why he never talked about his WWII experience because of the PTSD and the constant death.
His acting roles are said to have really helped him move forward. He REALLY struggled on the set of "Its A Wonderful Life", but slowly bit by bit he began to embrace it and that's how he found freedom (other cast members helped him as well).
How nostalgic this makes me. My dad was constantly noticed for his resemblance to Mr. Stewart. I have wonderful memories of my dad in this uniform. My dad did not serve in combat, no fault of his. He was an engineer officer. He was a wonderful father to us kids and I will love him forever. How lucky I was to have had him -- if he had fallen as so many others did, I and my brother and sister would have grown up without him.
Thank you so much for the narrative outlining his impressive military career, and his efforts to stay active rather than doing "celebrity service". I knew much, but certainly not all, of his service. Tom Brokaw said it best with the phrase The Greatest Generation. We need to raise a generation like this again.
What a great video. Thanks for posting this rare footage from the time when Jimmy sacrificed his career and personal gain to serve his country. Jimmy was not only a great actor but a great American and a fine human being. We see too few of his kind today. May he rest in peace.
There were a lot of actors that quit their careers for a short time to join the military back then. I have to say they have my respect. Thank you for posting. Please, keep up the good work.
God Bless him yet another reason to love this gentleman. Even though I am 22 I wish I could have met him some time in my life. There will not be anyone like him especially in Hollywood. He is one of the few people in Hollywood that I would like to meet.
hats off to mr stewart for his service and risking his life for the free world. another great actor charles bronson also was a tail gunner on a b-29 durring the war btw ,and im proud or these men. god rest their souls
Dad was trained in the Tex A-6; told us about Jimmy Stewart. What a story! - Air Force Brat
Tell more!
This is a real man “ new Americans “.
T
?
Awarded 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and an Air Medal with 3 oak clusters while flying 20 combat missions with the 8th Air Force. Air crews in this unit suffered a higher casualty rate than any unit in any branch of service in any theater of war. Rose from the rank of private to full Colonel in 4 years, and eventually retired as a Brigadier General. He was a hero among a unit of heros.
+Larry N My father flew under Stewart in a B-24. He was a belly turret gunner and bombardier. He received the DFC with 4 oak leaf clusters with 30 combat missions. He flew on the "Male Call" when it was new. He's been gone since Memorial day 2001. I miss him so much.
Your father was a great man. I can't imagine the courage it took to climb aboard the bomber to fly missions in Europe. The 8th Air Force lost more air crew than was lost by the valiant Marines fighting a battle tested enemy in the pacific. The turret gunners had the toughest assignment as they had almost no chance of getting out of the ball turret alive if the plane was downed. Few crews survived 30 missions. Your father was very lucky, and was a hero, well deserving of the DFC.
My Dad ,also , served in the”Mighty Eighth” in the 359 fighter Group. As a follow up to Larry N’s point; the Eighth suffer more casualties then the entire U.S. Navy, including the Marine Corp.
Actually, the Coast Guard suffered the highest percentage of casualties, I read. But flying over Germany was horrific. A political science prof at North Georgia College who had flown B-17s in WW II told us of a general who had been in the Pacific Theater flying co-pilot for a lieutenant in a B-17 on a bombing raid over Germany. The general saw a German fighter, grabbed the controls and started to go after the fighter. The pilot hit him over the head with a fire extinguisher and got the plane back into formation. When they got back the general had the pilot court marshaled. When the assembled court heard the general describe what had happened they all started laughing and threw out the charge. They knew that German pilots were much deadlier than Japanese and that the bomber would have been shot down.
My Father met him in Vietnam RIP General Stewart RIP Major Richard Arthur Goldhammer USAF Korea Vietnam Arlington
God Bless James Stewart and his men. And thank you for putting this together! It's a remarkable video!
Hi Bomberguy. I just wanted to say thank you for posting the footage of the steam powered aeroplane of the Besler's. Also for the footage of James Stewart. I have been an admirer of James for some years. He personified an example of a special human being.
The steam powered aeroplane was fascinating and has given me a topic to read more about. Thanks again. Best wishes from PSF.
Thank You For Your Service!
How can anyone hate Jimmy Stewart. ObamaRules4Ever needs to find some love in his heart. Jimmy was so kind, loving and gentle.
my dad flew in the 457th heavy bomber group out of glatton uk, his skills and that of his navigator put him in the lead plane on a couple of missions and he told me that Jimmy was in one of them
Thank you for sharing this with us. Much appreciation and thanks. Not many people are capable of approaching this icon of freedom's stature.
And the 'lefties' were of course not fighting for a Russian win. . . . . .
Robert DiNero should be sent to war. Pussy big mouth hater.
I am an advid reader on the subject of WWII aviation. I was amazed to learn of the exploits of Jimmy Stewart during WWII. His courage as a combat pilot coupled with his leadership skills won him the respect of the men under his command as well as the American people.
I remember reading about a mission in which Jimmy Stewart flew a severely damaged B 24 back to its based which after he and his crew disembarked split in 2 on the runway. A crew member of Stewart's who was in total shock looking at the aircraft he just got out of was stunned by Stewart's cool response of "You know flying these planes is a dangerous business".
Mr Stewart never used his status as a celbrity to keep him out of harms way. He instead chose the path placing himself directly in the line of fire. He in my opinion is the true leader and hero.
You may or may not know this, but it shows how much he wanted to serve.
Stewart was turned down by the military when he tried to join....... Because he was too thin.
He went on an eating spree to get his weight up so he could join.
One of my favorite people. He would sneak out on missions and not log them in because the mission limit was 20, and later 25 and the crews were rotated home and he clearly wanted to be there. He was in the Air Force reserves after the war and was still there when President Eisenhower promoted him to brigadier general in the Air Force Reserves in 1957. In the reserves he had piloted B 36, B 47 and B 52 bombers. Jimmy Stewart did a tour of Air Force installations and went on a B 52 mission from Guam to bomb Vietnam in Feb 1966 (Look for the story "Mr. Stewart Goes to Vietnam). Thanks for your extensive text monologue and for posting this video!
Jimmy Stewart is a true hero. And my favorite actor. He always seemed to be such a nice man. We would write each other letters from time to time.
The most dangerous job during WW II was in an aircraft in combat. My father was a B-17 bomber pilot, went down in Denmark on his 3rd mission, was captured and spent 19 months as a POW in Stalag Luft III. I can't imagine the risk Jimmy Stewart took to fly 50 missions. He was very lucky, but I'm sure a lot of it was flying skill. What a remarkable man.
Patricia Martin Jimmy played a pilot in a least two movies after the war, it never seemed like acting.
Patricia Martin Better be careful what you say, miss, or some snot-nose millennial imbecile barely out of diapers and freshly brainwashed from college will call your awesome Dad a war criminal.
Yes Jimmy Stewart took considerable risk to undertake 50 combat missions. But it was in fact relatively safe; the USAAF 8th airforce in the ETO recorded around about a 7.5% death rate (plus similar wounder rate). The most dangerous job in WWII was probably Germany's U-boat arm with around a 75% casualty rate (the vast majority of those being deaths). Other highly dangerous occupations were RAF Bomber Command at about 45% death rate and US and UK Merchant Marine sailors. Highly dangerous US occupations were US Army and Navy special services (paratroopers and marines etc.). Generally speaking Japanese, Russian and German casualty rates for any given occupation far exceeded US loss rates.
I'm aware of "Strategic Air Command" and "Flight of the Phoenix". Were there others?
@@smidon 8th Air Force had the highest death rate of any branch of the US military in WW2; higher than Marines, etc. Not as bad as U Boats for sure...but the 8th was 350,000 out of 2.5 million in US Army Air Force yet suffered more than half of all its WW2 casualties (26,000 dead; 47,000 casualties)...as a comparison total US Marine dead was 19,000 out of 500,000...Bomber Command did indeed lost a horrible amount...
As an Air Force member stationed overseas in Vietnam for almost two years, I met Jimmy and his wife at Cantho (the provincial capital of the 4th Corps) in the Republic of Vietnam in 1965 while on a USO tour. I can personally echo Opal's sentiments below, he was a great actor and military man of honor and leader as she pointed out. He was very gracious and gave me his autograph as a momento of our meeting. My first military assignment was with the Strategic Air Command at Pease AFB, N.H. Strangely enough I loved his portrayal of Lt Col Dutch Holland in the movie, "The Strategic Air Command." (1955) www.imdb.com/title/tt0048667/
He was my favourite actor and I admire him for fighting in an air war for his country.
Thank you for the video and Jimmy Stewart was a great actor and I still enjoy all his movies and grateful for his service! My dad served in the Air Force in Korea during the war .
If every man was like Jimmy Stewart this World would be a good place.
Thanks for posting! Stewart was the real deal. Never heard this interview before.
An immensely likeable man, modest, unassuming & down to earth. Without doubt he is one of the US's greatest exports.
Anymore like him over there?
Our high school was sat next to the airfield of his first UK posting at Old Buckenham, & our geography & form master was an ex-RAF officer who had served & had remained in contact with Stewart for many years.
Stewart's other postings at Hethel & his HQ at Ketteringham Hall are now/were the Lotus Cars & Team Lotus F1 HQ's respectively.....
Since you posted a lot has changed at Hethel. Lotus no longer have an F1 team at Ketteringham Hall anymore. Which is sad. Although classic team Lotus are about. It’s amazing to think Jimmy Stewart was stationed there during the war. Makes it feel all the more special for me as I work at Hethel on the old airbase site.
My dad served in the same unit, 453rd BG, part of the 2nd Air Division of the US Army Air Corps. The 2AD flew B-24s exclusively. Jimmy would go to the 2nd Air Division reunions over the years, as just one of the guys. It was understood that he would not discuss any Hollywood subjects (nor give autographs), only family, friends, and remembrances of his service in the war, and later in the Air force.
Thank you ... General Stewart was a wonderful actor ... a patriot and a natural leader of men. Bomberguy again thank you ...
Jimmy Stewart was one of my favorite actors, so in 1979 I went to Beverly Hills, Ca. to see his house on Roxbury Drive (# 1000) I think! After I had finished shooting a short bit of movie film of my daughter in front ( no video tape yet), we went to drive away when a silver Beetle convertible came 'barreling' down the street. The driver slowed down to give us a stare! It was 'Janet' from "Three's Company"! So unfortunately, I never got to see my idol, but nearly had a car accident in front of his house! p.s. I went by again,in 1999, & the house had been torn down to build a Mansion on his & his next door neighbor's property! We'll miss you, Jimmy!
He was a hero first and an actor second. If you ask most people, it is as if he was a member of the family. He was just THAT special. There is no one in Hollywood today who can touch him at all.
My Norfolk UK home is about five miles from the two B-24 bases he flew from during WWII.
I have so much like and respect for him. Thanks for posting this.
compare him to todays actors.who consider themselves above morality.
Well, don’t fear too much, because they’ll have theirs!
Oh Puhleese! No comparison! There are quite a few pilots among H'Wood celebs, but NOT all are very good ones, I'm afraid! As a long-time (SAFE) GA pilot myself, Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford are two that I would not fly with if you paid me to! Both should have their licenses revoked, and only their notoriety keeps that from happening, I guess.
Some Actors save us money by cutting out the price gouging companies who rip us off! Not Mint Mobile Cellular phone company Ryan Reynolds owns now! Look at what you get for $15...
I don't live too far from Jimmy Stewart's old WW2 airfield at Old Buckenham,Norfolk. England. There's a small museum to him there,and the airfield is still used for private flying. Rest in Peace Sir.
thanks so much for posting this video. I really am in awe of how a guy like Jimmy Stewart could accomplish so much in his life and still remain a genuinely humble and "regular" guy. after everything I've read about him and heard him say, this is my impression of him...he was a gentleman, someone who loved God, his family, and his country. I'm sure he wasn't perfect, but he certainly was someone to be looked up to. I respect him so much and only wish there were more of his kind today.
One of my favourite film stars. But much more than that. He was a modest, courageous, self-effacing man. A great human being and a role model.
Salute to Squadron Commander, mr. James Stewart for his stellar service.Semper Fi. Thankyou sir.🤚👍🤙🙏🦅
Wow a rare piece of history! Great stuff. Thanks for posting this Bomberguy!
We will never see the actors of today in such a film General Stewart and other actors of that time were true American Patriots Thank You all for your service
unlike the actors of today
he was truly a gift from god...... What a man and a legend...Rest in Peace Jimmy, you are missed......
Hi Robert,
I don't recall reading that. The last WWII Aviation book I read was Big Week which gave me more details on Jimmy's heroism than other book I read.
Jimmy Stewart was the operations officer for the 453rd bomb group from March 44 to May 44. My Dad was with the 453rd bomb 733rd squadron.
Dad was shot down 25 April 44.
Ended up in Stalag 17B. B24 42-95019,
.
LTC
Kenneth Lincoln, my late Uncle Lyle A.Taylor was shot down at that same time & was in stalag 17 but I didn't know there were alphabet lettering to go along with it, so can't say for sure if he was in the same camp as your Dad. Much respect for everyone who did their part in that War.
These Kids that leave hateful messages about American/British Hero's never knew how awful that war was. Never longed for food or feared for their life.
these mouthy little bastards need about ten weeks of basic at MCRD ,San Diego
Even with that , we recently had one that jumped the fence and ran across the runway at Lindbergh Field. OH MOMMY MOMMY SAVE ME !
What an embarassment for other kids there. The new Marine recruits I meet here are great......just too few of them
George Wrentmore.
My Uncle Joe was a crew chief in the 455th BG/702nd BS at Tibenham. Don't know if he ever met Jimmy Stewart, he never mentioned it, and I was really young when I knew him.
Jim was first at 445th as the 703unit Squadron Commander, then promoted to Ops-commander of the whole 453rd. I'm sure your Uncle would have known him. But they generally came back with severe ptsd and simply unable to discuss the horrors of combat
Had the honor of hearing him speak at Air Force NCO Leadership School graduation. Wonderful speaker, naturally friendly and modest.
A truly great American. I enjoyed the video immensely. Thanks for sharing.
Just an outstanding video Mr. Stewart just a patriot who answered the call like all in that generation the greatest generation they all are .
I cant stay enough good thing about jimmy. I have a teen age boy and its sad he does not have a role model like this today. Im in my mid 60 and remember alot of men like him.
True American Hero and great actor...
+carsbyjeff "true american heroes" such as skull&bones, bilderberger, alluminati, roosevelts, rothschilds, morgans,.. we love you all, true american heroes...but it would be extremely nice, if you left the rest of the world alone and didn't bomb us just because your high finance is bankrupt. you distroyed japan, mexico, lybia, syria, afghanistan, iraq, now europe.. we don't want your damn TTIP..
1914 1922 what are you talking about?
Idiot
You are a prime example of what is usually called a fucking idiot.
1914 1922 Europe and Japan are doing great.
And lets not forget the 50,000 men RAF Bomber Command lost during WW2.
They paid the highest cost, but not in vain.
Paul Bradford : true but right at the moment (disorder in London) it sometimes feels like it was (in vain), there doesn’t appear to be any respect for the greatest generation.
@@jujitusuka I remember the vets from WW 1 slowly but inevitably passing away in the 80's. Equally as sad. So much sacrifice. They gave their all. Remember them too.
Paul Bradford : sad to think, I was really naive when I was younger that I lived amongst giants and never knew and now they’re nearly all gone...
Remember those "Red Tails" who escorted the bombers!!
Thank you for sharing.
A great actor and great American.
God Bless his memory...
My Dad also flew with Jimmy back in the 50's at Loring AFB my Dad was a gunner on the B-52
My late father was attached to the RCAF and flew 33 missions as a tail gunner in Halifaxes. He told me that in 1944 (or 45) his plane had to divert to a US bomber base because of fog at his own airfield ( Leeming Bar, Yorkshire). When they landed the CO of the airbase kindly loaned my father a Pound note so the crew could buy some beers. Rather embarrassingly my father confessed shortly before he died that he had not paid back the loan. You will have guessed by now that the CO was James Stewart. I wonder how much it would cost at present day value to repay that loan to the estate of James Stewart?
Peter Bradshaw
I'm guessing that your father just doing his patriotic duty was payment enough. They were all in it together.
I read in a book about nose art that a crew member of Jimmy's said he was always cool, and when the shooting started, he got even cooler.
Great patriot, the best actor ever... Indeed, it has been A Wonderful Live with Jimmy Stewart.
my dad was in the camp with Jimmy Chasles A Larimer 1911-2002 896 MP CO High Wycombe pine tree
I"ve read quite a bit about Stewart's wartime experience. Those men who flew heavy bombers over Germany were truly heroic.
I admire this good heart of our late actor Jimmy Stewart. He was deacon of Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church where I became a member. His spirit and sense of class makes him incredibly reputable, remembered and very much so a role model. Best to his family always. Tyler Lord Hamilton
Thanks for sharing Tyler.
Not only was he a great actor and military veteran, he was a decent, Christian man.
I'm sure it was wonderful to be a fellow member of the church.
God Bless...
My dad served with him in WW 2. Is there any way I can get a list of personnel for his bomber group. He was Primarily a fueler, But flew 5 missions as a waist gunner.
+Patrick Deluca
My dad was in the 8th also, saw him. He was just like he seemed. About crew lists-try, Major Gelvin, 448 Leisure World, Mesa, AZ 85206 480-654-9249 e-mail: Displeaseddog@msm.com He might have passed. Let me know directly how it worked out for you. nc6p@yahoo.com Son of turret gunner on the Little Bill, a B-24.
For those interested, An Emotional Gauntlet by Stuart J Wright could be worth reading. Jimmy Stewart's service is mentioned and commented upon by men who were there. Dave Hanson's grandfather's views were widely shared. He continued to serve after WWII, eventually retiring as a Brigadier General. He was buried with Full Honours, and rightly so!
Great old film! Thanks for sharing.
Brave American and humble. I used to live in his hometown 20 years ago.
Jimmy Stewart was a true American hero! And one of the greatest actors of all time! No other actor had his range. From drama to comedy, he was a genius!
It is amazing how many of the actors back then served in combat roles. Really a great many and just like most of the men who served, rarely ever talked about it. God bless them ,we don't have many of them left
He was a good, decent person. It is too bad actors are not like Jimmy in our time. My husband is in the airforce and he highly respects Jimmy Stewart's service with our country and so do I. :)
I am a die hard Jimmy Stewart fan. It's incredible what he did for America and how far up in the military ranks he went. I am reading "Jimmy Stewart Bomber Pilot". Great reading.
Such a man and he made it all the way up to General as well as served in WWII, what actor can say that now days
very interesting. thanks for posting
He was Ops Officer at RAF Old Buckenham, Norfolk UK. A great man , a great pilot and an all round nice guy.. They don't make 'em like that anymore!
Totally inspired by this man's achievements
He's always been my favorite actor! He was also a great man! There is really no way to describe him! RIP!!!
I met James Stewart when I was a teenager, my dad was a stationed at Loring AFB in Maine. He came to our teen club we had on Base, met him, and danced with him..of course as teens all of us were excited. .Rest in Peace..
Thank you, this is a side of the great actor I've never seen before.
If you're ever in Indiana, Pennsylvania there's a museum dedicated to the life and memory of Jimmy Stewart.
This man was on the public screen making A rated movies my entire life. To know he was a real war hero is potent information. He’s made all from my generation proud to be Americans.
More than an actor, more than a pilot, a humble American man. Thank you Mr. Stewart.