Jimmy Stewart made the above statement. Star Smith has written a book titled "Jimmy Stewart Bomber pilot" which is reviewed in today's Washington Times. The review states in part:
When World War II came to the United States, the American film industry was quick and generous in urging film actors to do their part. No one heard the call more quickly or clearly than James Stewart, who in fact had already enlisted in the Air Corps when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. At the actual time of the raid on Pearl Harbor, Jimmy Stewart was doing guard duty at Moffit Field, south of San Francisco. Jimmy Stewart was an actor who appeared in some 80 films during a great career, and went on to become a celebrated, highly-decorated pilot of American Liberator bombers before returning to the movies..... In "Jimmy Stewart: Bomber Pilot," Starr Smith charts the last half of this truly extraordinary and unforgettable man's life.....Fifty years later he was asked what he thought of his life in the military. It was one of the great experiences of his life, he said. "Greater than being in the movies?" was the next question. "Much greater," he answered. "Much greater." Stewart flew 20 missions in enemy skies and was on combat duty with the 8th Air Force, commanding bomber crews. He logged thousands of hours in the air, and never lost a plane he was flying. For his valor, he received the Distinguished Fly Cross, the Flying Cross, the Air Medal, all with clusters. He also received the Croix de Guerre from France. By the war's end, he had served four years in uniform. In 1959, President Eisenhower appointed him brigadier general. President Reagan awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985.
I remember when Ronald Reagan ran against Gerald Ford in 1976. He was beat in primary after primary and then he went to North Carolina accompanied by Jimmy Stewart and pulled out an upset which allowed Reagan to continue the campaign all the way to the Republican Convention in Kansas City where he almost took the nomination away from Gerald Ford who went on to lose to Jimmy Carter in November. He stood with Reagan when it it was not popular. Once again a patriot.
For a link to the entire book review click on the title above.
