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.
The second full week of October is upon us, so let’s see what’s happening in Special Events for Aces High.
Today, the 16th, we have another AHXARL, or XTreme Air Racing League, a must-attend event for thrill seekers out there.
On the 17th we have a Snapshot Scenario, this one Operation Corkscrew! Sign up alone or sign up with friends as a squad. Just sign up!
What’s that you say? You have never participated in one of our Special Events? Well now is the time then, isn’t it? Special Events are a must in order for you to experience the best thrills from our combat flight simulator. Do it today!
At Aces High we are all about World War II; no, not just about the combat, although our online flight sim game is the number one combat flight simulator on the market. No, we are all about every facet and fact about World War 2. You might call us WWII junkies because we can’t get enough of that fascinating part of our history.
So each week we write an article about another area of the war that we hope you find interesting, and this week we want to talk briefly about the propaganda used in the United States during the war.
Posters were used extensively in the Unites States as a way of bolstering moral during the war years. Businesses, government, and private organizations all printed posters calling upon citizens to do their part for the war effort. Other posters attacked the enemy and made them look to be evil characters.
There were also eight separate bond drives pushed by the government, and Hollywood and sports celebrities were used to push this propaganda item. The War Bond drive helped greatly in financing the war, and Americans were asked to put 10% of their earnings into war bonds; interestingly, the war bond movement was a huge success as Americans signed up and did their part.
Hollywood, of course, did their part in a big way. Movies such as Yankee Doodle Dandy, Going My Way, and Casablanca all helped to increase the patriotic fervor. Cartoons were developed with the war as the central theme, and movies were made as training films. There were also films that were blatant propaganda depicting the Germans and Japanese as evil beings intent on destroy America.
There was, in fact, a new Federal office, the Office of War Information, that had to approve every single film made about the war, to make sure that the correct information was being fed to the public. The Feds worked closely with directors, producers, and writers to make sure the right message was being relayed in the films.
Hollywood also sent entertainers to the war front countries to entertain the troops. Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, and many more, became household names here and in Europe because of their efforts.
When you think about it, it was really a remarkable effort by the military and civilians during a four year span. From the massive production of aircraft, tanks, and ships, to the awesome shooting of films, this was truly a total effort by the United States.
Five special events in three days; now that, my friends, is a full schedule of fun and excitement.
It all begins on the 12th with the Friday KOTH, a battle royal event where nobody is safe and only one person survives. Follow that up in the evening of the 12th with our regular FSO, or Friday Squad Operation.
On the 13th we have Scenario Der, a new scenario that is guaranteed to test your planning and execution.
On the 14th we have the first frame of SEC, or Sunday European Campaign, and later in the day we have This Day in History, which will focus on Black Thursday.
Sign up now for Aces High, your number one combat flight simulator.
We have a busy week ahead of us with our Special Events, with practically every day offering some fun activity on Aces High.
On the 9th we have our latest Aces High XTreme Air Racing League. This is a free-for-all testing your reaction and speed, so sign up now.
October 10th we will be featuring a new Snapshot, which is a mini-scenario if you will.
Special Events are a way for you to sharpen your skills as a flight sim player; you will be up against the best of the world and we’ll find out what you are really made of.