His stepson was killed in Vietnam. He must have pulled every string he had but Stewart did go on a combat mission against North Vietnam. I think it was in a B52, for some pay back.
I am sure some Freeper knows all the details and will fill it in.
One of the most unusual friendships was between Jimmy and Hank Fonda. We all know about Jane's and Peter's anti-war activities.
In an interview just after best friend Hank's death, Jimmy was asked how the two men got along so well for so many years.
He stated simply, "Well, there are some things we just don't talk about."
He went on the mission in 1966, before his stepson was killed in 1969.
From Wikipedia:
In 1966, Brigadier General James Stewart flew as a non duty observer in a B-52 on a bombing mission during the Vietnam conflict. At the time of his B-52 flight, he refused the release of any publicity regarding his participation as he did not want it treated as a stunt, but as part of his job as an officer in the Air Force Reserve. After 27 years of service, Stewart retired from the Air Force on 31 May 1968.[34]
Ronald McLean was killed in action on 8 June 1969, at the age of 24, while serving as a Marine Corps Lieutenant in Vietnam.[47][48]