Posted on 08/12/2012 11:48:03 AM PDT by DFG
Jimmy Stewart is perhaps the best known of the celebrities who served, partially because he chose to serve while already a successful movie star.
However, having come from a military family (both of his grandfathers had fought in the Civil War, and his father served in both the Spanish-American War and World War I), he saw it as his duty and was more than happy to serve.
Stewart already held his private pilots’ license when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1940, but was rejected for being below the required weight of 148 pounds. Rather than going back to making movies, Stewart asked the studio’s trainer to help him put on weight. He still missed the weight requirement on his first attempt to enlist in the Army Air Corps.
Finally, he made weight and enlisted in March 1941.
Pvt. James Stewart began pilot training and earned a commission as a second lieutenant in January 1942, after the attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into World War II. He became an instructor pilot and performed limited engagements for the Army Air Forces. For example, he performed with Orson Welles, Lionel Barrymore and others in the radio program "We Hold These Truths," to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Bill of Rights.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
Would that we hands men such as he, in our nation’s hour of despair.
*had
One of the best Hollywood stars ever.
Ronald Reagan also served, however, as public relations laison. He did a lot of good for the buying Bonds efforts. Not everyone can be a front line troop.
I would like to point out that John Wayne did NOT serve.
Amen.
As compared to our actors of today? No one at this time can claim that record.
I presume you believe your comment to have some meaning.
That was supposed to be a hot link, not sure what happened.
I believe it’s obvious.
Reagan joined the cavalry in ‘37, long before the war started. His eyesight kept him out of combat.
John Wayne was 34 when the war started. There was no escaping the draft or avoidance on his part. Many actors of his age did not serve. Your snide implication is rather stupid.
By his support for our military the Duke served a very valuable purpose.....so he did serve..just not actively!!!
He liked to take those bows for a service he portrayed but never put his neck on the line.
Stewart enlisted in his 30s.
I know a former Navy Seal that said when Jimmy died the AF lost a good friend. He said he was an incredible pilot that could fly anything.....
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