Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe

This biography examines Jimmy Stewart's military service during World War II, focusing on his time as a bomber pilot and squadron commander in the European theater. The narrative covers Stewart's path from established Hollywood star to Army Air Force volunteer, documenting his determination to serve despite being initially rejected for being underweight. The book draws from military records, interviews, and historical documents to reconstruct Stewart's combat missions over Nazi Germany. Stewart's wartime experience is placed within the broader context of the air war in Europe, including the staggering casualty rates among B-24 bomber crews and the psychological toll of combat leadership. The author alternates between Stewart's wartime service and his life before and after the war, including his Hollywood career and personal relationships. The parallel storylines trace how Stewart's combat experience shaped his post-war acting choices and affected him for the remainder of his life. This work contributes to both military history and Hollywood biography by exploring the intersection of fame and duty, while examining the lasting impact of war on those who fought it. The book raises questions about heroism, sacrifice, and the true cost of military service.

Readers praise the detailed research and personal interviews that reveal Stewart's combat experiences and PTSD struggles. Many note it fills gaps in Stewart's biography, especially regarding his military service and its impact on his acting career. Reviews highlight the balance between Stewart's Hollywood life and war experiences. Common criticisms include repetitive passages, particularly in describing flight missions, and occasional speculation about Stewart's thoughts and feelings without clear sources. What readers liked: - Thorough documentation of Stewart's bombing missions - Coverage of his rise through military ranks - Personal accounts from fellow servicemen - Discussion of post-war psychological effects What readers disliked: - Lengthy technical details about B-24 bombers - Some unsupported assertions about Stewart's private thoughts - Pacing issues in middle chapters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (750+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.5/5 (100+ ratings)

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🌟 Before becoming a bomber pilot in WWII, Jimmy Stewart had already won an Academy Award for "The Philadelphia Story" and was one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors ✈️ Stewart flew 20 combat missions over Nazi Germany as command pilot of a B-24 Liberator, rising from private to colonel in four years 📚 Author Robert Matzen conducted over 250 hours of interviews with veterans who served alongside Stewart and visited several locations where Stewart was stationed in England 🎬 Stewart suffered from PTSD after the war and initially struggled to return to acting, with "It's a Wonderful Life" being his first post-war film 🎖️ Stewart continued serving in the Air Force Reserve after WWII, eventually reaching the rank of Brigadier General - the highest-ranking actor in military history