Re: 'Jimmy Stewart: Bomber Pilot' by Starr Smith

JDK · **Posted:** Mon Feb 02, 2009 12:03 am

Does anyone have access to a copy of this book? I just need to check a quick fact it it!

Many thanks in advance.

Steve Nelson · **Posted:** Mon Feb 02, 2009 12:14 am

It's sitting on my nightstand..whattya need?

SN

JDK · **Posted:** Mon Feb 02, 2009 12:23 am

Thanks Steve, you have a PM.

Second Air Force · **Posted:** Mon Feb 02, 2009 1:02 am

While on the subject of Jimmy Stewart, we watched a portion of "Rear Window" last night on TCM and noticed that there were WWII era aircraft and associated photos on the walls of his apartment. One of the photos looked a lot like someone in a Mae West standing in front of a Mosquito. My question is: could that photo be of Major Stewart during his time in Great Britain? There were a lot of RAF/AAF officers that went on Ops with their opposite numbers to see how things were done, and I thought it possible that he got a trip in a Mosquito.

Scott

tom d. friedman · **Posted:** Mon Feb 02, 2009 1:17 am

a great book. any help is right here.

JDK · **Posted:** Mon Feb 02, 2009 1:26 am

Second Air Force wrote:

My question is: could that photo be of Major Stewart during his time in Great Britain? There were a lot of RAF/AAF officers that went on Ops with their opposite numbers to see how things were done, and I thought it possible that he got a trip in a Mosquito.

Hi Scott,
Interesting question. Actually I understand Stewart's character is based on that of famous war photographer Robert Capa, who would have similar photos - perhaps. Just another thought.
Cheers,

Second Air Force · **Posted:** Mon Feb 02, 2009 1:32 am

I thought of his character's wartime service when I first saw the photos, but it made me wonder if they were some of his personal pictures from his time in the 8th Air Force. Now any time I see a Jimmy Stewart movie I'll be scanning the background for bomber photos! :lol:

On a somewhat related subject, does anyone who watched the sci-fi series "Babylon 5" remember the RAF momentos on the wall in the quarters of Jeffrey Sinclair, the first station commander? Kind of a neat touch.

Scott

JDK · **Posted:** Mon Feb 02, 2009 2:27 am

For those who like Stewart, here he in 'Winning your Wings'.

The whole 17 minute recruitment film.

Neat.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 0928&hl=en

John Dupre · **Posted:** Mon Feb 02, 2009 8:10 am

I have read a couple of Stewart biographies and Bomber Pilot. I don't recall any mention of him flying in a Mosquito. Could he have fit in the cockpit? BTW gave my copy of Bomber Pilot to a former 8th AF POW whose B-17 crew was checked out by Major Stewart in the US before shipping overseas. Said he was a great guy, no pretensions at all, only wanted to talk flying.

JDK · **Posted:** Mon Feb 02, 2009 8:15 am

John Dupre wrote:

Could he have fit in the cockpit?

Oh, yes. I do, he could. (Not because we are both called James, but we're the same height, and the width wasn't an issue for him.)

I get the impression that while Stewart like flying as a civilian, he looked on his USAAF career as just the duty of a good citizen, and he wasn't a 'type hound' like some. So he did the job as best he could, but didn't make a fuss or waste effort with it. Just an impression of course, and I'm sure if he'd been offered a ride, he'd take it. But I don't think he'd go asking.

tulsaboy · **Posted:** Mon Feb 02, 2009 11:49 am

JDK- Did you get your question answered? I have a copy here at my desk.

kevin

Second Air Force · **Posted:** Mon Feb 02, 2009 11:55 am

Thanks for the responses. I had the impression from other research that he wouldn't be inclined to "pad his logbook" just to say he did.

Wayne Allen, an Ordnance Officer in the 445th Bomb Group, knew Stewart when he was Ops Officer, and later Squadron Commander, with the 703rd Squadron. Wayne said he was a really low-key person and very professional, well respected by his men. Wayne said it was interesting to go into town with a "celebrity", more to watch the reaction of people who recognized Stewart than anything.

Scott

JDK · **Posted:** Tue Feb 03, 2009 1:05 am

I did, thanks Tulsaboy. Steve came right through.

norman malayney · **Joined:** Wed Nov 24, 2004 1:35 am **Posts:** 133

Gentlemen,

While compiling the unit history of the 25th BG Rcn. that flew the de Havilland Mosquito at Watton, UK, someone mnentioned that Jimmy Stewart flew a mission in a Mosquito to observe his bomber formations en route to the target.

I sent a letter to James Stewart for information regarding this mission, and received a reply from him saying he never flew in a Mosquito?

Yet 25th BG veterans state that he did. One veteran, Willis Locke, flew to pick up Stewart at his base for a Red Tail mission, but it was cancelled, so he returned to Watton. He states that another pilot later took Stewart to complete this particular mission.

In the 25th BG Association newsletter, veteran John Green details a mission in which he flew James Stewart in a Mosquito to view the B-24 formations in action.

Who do I believe: James Stewart or the veteran? I have always wanted to access his Form Five that list hours flown for pay purposes. Usually these list the aircraft-type and date along with hours in the air.

I visited the James Stewart Museum in Indianna, PA, where they have his USAF dress uniform and flying suit on display. When I inquired about his USAAF/USAF orders and flight documents, they said Stewart admired the Mormans and donated all his military papers to a university in Utah. The museum did not know which one.

Norman Malayney

RyanShort1 · **Posted:** Tue Feb 03, 2009 10:52 pm

JDK wrote:

For those who like Stewart, here he in 'Winning your Wings'.

The whole 17 minute recruitment film.

Neat.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 0928&hl=en

Very interesting. Several of the lines are almost exactly repeated in the later "It's A Wonderful Life."

Thanks for sharing that link.

Ryan

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Re: 'Jimmy Stewart: Bomber Pilot' by Starr Smith

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