10 Facts About America’s Most Famous WW2 Pilot

When you think of World War II heroes, movie stars don’t usually come to mind. But Jimmy Stewart, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, was also one of America’s most dedicated combat pilots. From flying dangerous bombing missions over Germany to becoming a squadron leader, Stewart’s wartime service is the stuff of legend. Here are ten things you probably didn’t know about America’s most famous WWII pilot.

1. He Enlisted Before Pearl Harbor

Jimmy Stewart didn’t wait for America to join the war. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in early 1941, nine months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Coming from a military family, Stewart felt a deep sense of duty to serve.

2. He Was Already a Hollywood Star

Before the war, Stewart had starred in box office hits like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and You Can’t Take It With You. He had even won an Academy Award — but that didn’t stop him from walking away from fame to serve his country.

3. MGM Didn’t Want Him in Combat

Both MGM Studios and the U.S. military wanted to keep Stewart stateside as a propaganda figure. But he refused. When rumors spread in 1943 that he would be assigned to bond tours, Stewart personally requested a combat role.

4. He Flew B-24 Liberators Over Europe

Stewart joined the 703rd Bomb Squadron of the 445th Bomb Group, flying B-24 Liberators over Germany-occupied Europe. He led many dangerous missions, including the unit’s first bombing raid on Keil, Germany, in December 1943.

5. He Led From the Front

Unlike many high-ranking officers who stayed behind the lines, Stewart chose to fly with his men. At 35, he was older and more composed than the average 19- or 20-year-old crewman, and his leadership quickly earned their respect.

6. He Saved Another Bomb Group From Disaster

On January 7, 1944, Stewart noticed that a nearby bomber group had gone off course and was vulnerable to German fighters. Instead of abandoning them, he led his own group off course to provide protection — a risky decision that may have saved dozens of lives.

7. He Faced Germany’s Top Fighter Ace

That same day, his group encountered Egon Mayer, the Luftwaffe’s most deadly bomber killer. Stewart’s formation flew so tightly that Mayer’s fighters chose to attack the looser group instead, sparing his men from further losses.

8. He Earned the Distinguished Flying Cross

For his courage and leadership under fire, Stewart was promoted to Major and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His conduct impressed even his superiors in the Eighth Air Force.

9. He Never Bragged About His Service

After the war, Stewart rarely spoke about his military career. He even instructed his publicist not to mention it. He refused to act in any war movies related to his experience, saying his service was just his duty.

10. He Remained in the Air Force Reserve

After WWII, Stewart continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He eventually rose to the rank of Brigadier General — one of the highest-ranking actors in military history.