FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Hollywood Heroes Part 3 ~ June 24, 2013

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | StarCMC

[Kathy in Alaska]

 

Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!

For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday...
Thank the Veterans who served
in The United States Armed Forces.

Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States
Armed Forces Today!

---

~ Hall of Heroes ~

Hollywood Part 3
 

           

This Hollywood hero may not be news to you, but it's always good to honor them!  The Hollywood "heroes" of today don't hold a candle to this one.

Jimmy Stewart

James Stewart wanted his war heroics kept a secret following WWII, but the truth is that he was one of it's great heroes.

One of the first Hollywood celebrities to be drafted into the United States Army, Jimmy was initially rejected for failing to meet the minimum height/weight ratio requirements (he was ten pounds under weight). He could have avoided war service with his dignity preserved, but instead set about getting up to the 148 pounds required of him by going on a high fat diet. On his second attempt to enlist (in the Army Air Corps) he just scraped through.

Enlisted as a private he began pilot training in the USAAC. It was during this time that the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, bringing the US into the war. Continuing his training, he earned a commission as a second lieutenant in January of 1942.

Already a skilled pilot before the war, Jimmy was posted as an instructor pilot at various air bases within the US and used in a propaganda film to encourage Air Force recruitment and keep public morale high. The military, fearful of losing a major celebrity in action, wanted to keep him safe and sound in the United States, but this was not enough for Stewart. He wanted to serve in Europe.

Frustrated and concerned that he would be kept 'behind the lines' for the rest of the war, he appealed to his commander, who cooperated with his wishes, and in August of 1943 reassigned him to a unit which was shortly to be sent into action overseas. The unit was the 445th Bombardment Group. Arriving at their base in Norfolk England in December of 1943, the 445th immediately began combat operations flying missions over Germany. It was during this stage of his service that Stewart, as a result of bravery and intelligence in battle, was promoted to the rank of Major. In March of 1944 he was transferred as group operations officer to the 453rd Bombardment Group, and during this time he flew as command pilot in the groups lead B-24 plane on several missions deep into Nazi-occupied Europe.

In July of 1944, after flying 20 highly dangerous combat missions (note that this was the officially recorded number - he often instructed his personnel not to record his missions), having survived a major air battle with the Luftwaffe and a near fatal crash landing, James Stewart was made Chief of Staff of the 2nd Combat Bombardment Wing of the Eighth Air Force, thus finally, to the Armies relief, removing him from direct combat.

By the end of the war he had achieved the rank of Colonel, had received the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions in combat TWICE, had been awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French Air Force, and also received the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

Remaining an active member of the US Air Force Reserve after the war, he retired in May of 1968 with the rank of Brigadier General.

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 

[SandRat]

[Liberty Valance]

George Formby - Our Sgt. Major

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, dduck...Jimmy Stewart, a true hero!

Swearing in, March 22, 1941.

[SandRat]

Jimmy Stewart, Clark Gable - both served with distinction in WWII

[SandRat]

Don Rickles - US Navy. Destroyer duty.

[ConorMacNessa]

GOD BLESS AND PROTECT OUR TROOPS AND OUR BELOVED NATION!


TATTOO
(Click)

Must retire – the 0445 Reveille approaches relentlessly.

The Bugler, his grim visage replete with an evil sneer, already mounts the parapet.

Hollywood Icon Jimmy Stewart
Stands The Watch Tonight!


B.Gen. James Stewart, USAF
WWII

"Do poor Tom some charity, whom the foul fiend vexes!"
(King Lear, Act III, Scene iv)



All Gave Some – Some Gave All!!!
(Click)

Good night, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America!

Godspeed our Troops around the Globe – especially those in harm’s way – by virtue of their service and sacrifice we continue to live in Freedom!

"Dia shábháil ar fad anseo!"
(God Save All Here!)

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[The Mayor]

Resting now. Big weekend with visit from daughter and grand daughter, youngest graduating high school today. Hot one too with temps in 90’s. Summer is here for sure.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Boy, you really were busy.

Congratulations to your graduate.

[The Mayor]

Thanks! Last one before Grands start in 4 years.

[Kathy in Alaska]

LOL! They need smiting....lemmings for sure. No clue!

[Liberty Valance]

Sad news from Memphis tonight ...
Rest in peace Bobby Blue Bland Bobby Blue Bland - Chicago '81

[mylife]

Bummer dude. I always liked Bobby Blue Bland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUAK7t3Lf8s

[mylife]

This Time I'm Gone For Good

[Liberty Valance]

lol!

[ConorMacNessa]

A parting shot as I make my way up to Boudoir MacNessa:



Lilium "Montana" - My Back Garden - 23 June 2013

These Lilies were drooping to the ground being overcome by Thistle and wild Asters until Daniel liberated them.

Thank you, Daniel - you're a good man and I'm well proud of you!





"Dia shábháil ar fad anseo!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[mylife]

Buh Bye Bobby Buh Bye

[ConorMacNessa]

Praise to John-Man as well - he lifted them off the ground and restored them to their rightful posture as Monarchs of the Early Summer Garden!

Good on you, Lad!

I raise my glass to you!



"Dia shábháil ar fad anseo!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

[luvie]

Sorry to hear that!

[Kathy in Alaska]

God Bless you good, Mac. Good night and rest well. Thanks for helping honor our troops, past and present.
Thank you for your service to our country.

[Kathy in Alaska]

This was Jimmy Stewart's last combat mission...

Mr Stewart Goes To Vietnam

And he and his wife lost their son in Vietnam...

Jimmy Stewart's Stepson Ambushed In DMZ