Aces High is all about World War II. The creators of this fantastic online combat flight simulator are fanatics about the war, and anything and everything is interesting. That’s why today we are taking a look at one of the great actors in motion picture history, a gentleman loved by many but who also had a marvelous career flying during WWII.
Jimmy Stewart is his name, best known for his acting job in “It’s A Wonderful Life,” a Christmas classic.
When the war broke out in Europe, and the United States’ involvement was imminent, Stewart left a great acting career and enlisted in the United States Air Corps in 1940. At first he had a hard time being accepted because he didn’t meet the minimum weight standards, but because he had numerous flying hours and he was a college graduate, he was accepted at the age of 33.
His greatest fear was that he would be used primarily for propaganda and public appearances, but in 1943 he was assigned as commander of the 445th Bomb Group and eventually was assigned to Norfolk, England. He eventually flew countless missions over Europe, 20 all told, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and three oak leaf clusters. He continued to serve until the end of the war, and when he was discharged he finished his military career as a major general. Even after the war he continued to serve as an Air Force Reserve commander. He retired in 1968 after 27 years of service.
What is amazing about his career is that Stewart would have most definitely served his entire command as a public relations officer, but because he came from a military family, and because he believed so strongly in actively serving his country, he continually lobbied to be added to active duty in Europe. This is so typical of many Americans during the war; they believed so strongly in the war effort that they were disappointed when they did not see combat.
Now next time you see Stewart in a movie, you will know that you are watching a real American hero.
We just love this stuff at Aces High, and that’s one reason why our World War 2 Flight Simulator has been the best on the market for thirteen year. Give us a try and find out what thousands of flight sim gamers already know, that for shear excitement, nothing beats Aces High.
