[Retain Mike]

I doubt he was a prima donna like many actors, but probably behaved with the same sense of authority that was associated with his military service. I imagine his directness could be intimidating and he was not about to be intimidated by anyone.

Steward’s service was certainly not trivial, being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions as deputy commander of the 2nd Bombardment Wing, the French Croix de Guerre with palm, and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

[ABN 505]

Plus he could fly a rebuilt airplane put together with bailing wire and glue out of a death trap, my fav movie of his “Flight of the Phoenix”.