"Jimmy": How movie star James Stewart became a war hero
During the Second World War, Academy Award-winning actor James Stewart answered his nation's call, serving as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. He flew 20 successful missions, and came home from WWII a different man. Stewart's fight to be able to fight despite his celebrity, and his emotional post-war return to the screen in "It's a Wonderful Life," are the subjects of the film "Jimmy." Lee Cowan…
James Stewart, a revered movie star, transformed into a war hero by enlisting in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Despite being a prominent Hollywood A-lister, Stewart felt compelled to serve his country. His courage and sacrifice were showcased in his 20 combat missions over Germany, where he witnessed the horrors of war and lost fellow pilots.
After returning home from the war, Stewart's experiences profoundly impacted him, leading to depression and PTSD. Interestingly, his portrayal of George Bailey in the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life" is believed to have been influenced by his own wartime experiences. Stewart's dedication to his country earned him recognition, including an honor at the Kennedy Center, where he was moved to tears by cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
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- How movie star James Stewart became a war hero cbsnews.com
