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James Stewart at War
His Career in the USAAF
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James Stewart at War
$6499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This book will appeal to readers interested in military history, World War II aviation, and cinematic legends. It suits those who appreciate richly illustrated biographical accounts that combine Hollywood history with wartime heroism.
Explores the story of one star of the Silver Screen's role in the Second World War.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
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Description
James Stewart at War tells the remarkable story of Hollywood star James Stewart during World War II. When the United States entered the conflict in December 1941, Stewart had already gained fame, having won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1940 for his role in The Philadelphia Story.
Stewart was a familiar face to moviegoers when the Japanese struck at Pearl Harbor. By then, 'Jimmy' had earned his private pilot's licence and, when his name was drawn by the Drafting Commission on 29 October 1940, he applied to join the US Army Air Corps. Just before receiving his draft, he obtained a commercial pilot's licence.
On 18 January 1942, Stewart was called into active duty, initially serving at the 929th Bombardier Training School in New Mexico as a pilot. Although his film company secured him a 'static personnel' role, Stewart's determination to fly in combat led to his appointment as Commander of the 703rd Bombardment Squadron. His operational war began when he landed in the UK on 17 November 1943.
Flying a Consolidated B-24 Liberator, Stewart's first bombing mission targeted the German U-boat facilities at Kiel on 13 December 1943. Within a week, he attacked Bremen, among other targets in Germany, concluding eighteen missions over fifteen months. His actions, including raids on Berlin, are explored in depth alongside a rich collection of photographs of the aircraft and his crew.
Beyond piloting B-24 bombers, Stewart served as an Operations Officer and led a mission from a de Haviland Mosquito to attack railway marshalling yards at Halle. Rising from private to major in just four years, Stewart was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the Croix de Guerre with palm from France.
After the war, Stewart returned to acting and remained active in the Army Air Forces reserve, eventually becoming a brigadier general. This rise marked him as the highest-ranking actor in American military history.
Author: Pavel Turk, a noted author and historian of the aerial aspects of the Second World War, has a special interest in the Consolidated B-24 Liberator. His research led to two volumes of the B-24 Liberator Handbook in Czech and co-authoring B-24 Liberator in RAF Coastal Command Service. He resides in the Czech Republic.
Includes 10 colour and 110 b/w illustrations.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
ARGunners.com praises the biography as an inspiring and comprehensive account of Stewart's unprecedented military rank for an actor. The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation highlights the book's wealth of photographs and detailed colour profiles, enhancing the historical narrative.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781399066952
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 30 June 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Air World
Illustration: 10 colour illustrations, 110 mono illustrations
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 156.0mm
Height: 234.0mm
Weight: 0g
Pages: 224
About the Author
A renowned author and historian on the aerial aspects of the Second World War, PAVEL T RK has a particular interest in the Consolidated B-24 Liberator. As a result of his research on this particular bomber, Pavel has previously written two separate volumes of the B-24 Liberator Handbook, which were published in the Czech language, and co-authored B-24 Liberator in RAF Coastal Command Service. He lives in the Czech Republic.
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