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FReeper Canteen ~ Hall of Heroes: Hollywood Heroes Part 3 ~ June 24, 2013
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | StarCMC

Posted on 06/23/2013 5:01:24 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska

 

Our Troops Rock!  Thank you for all you do!
For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday...
Thank the Veterans who served
in The United States Armed Forces.
 
Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom? Support The United States
Armed Forces Today!
 
 


~ Hall of Heroes ~

Hollywood Part 3
 

ArmyPatch small   Marine small   Air Force Seal   Air Force   Coast Guard Seal small (better)

This Hollywood hero may not be news to you, but it's always good to honor them!  The Hollywood "heroes" of today don't hold a candle to this one.

Jimmy Stewart

James Stewart wanted his war heroics kept a secret following WWII, but the truth is that he was one of it's great heroes.

One of the first Hollywood celebrities to be drafted into the United States Army, Jimmy was initially rejected for failing to meet the minimum height/weight ratio requirements (he was ten pounds under weight). He could have avoided war service with his dignity preserved, but instead set about getting up to the 148 pounds required of him by going on a high fat diet. On his second attempt to enlist (in the Army Air Corps) he just scraped through.

Enlisted as a private he began pilot training in the USAAC. It was during this time that the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, bringing the US into the war. Continuing his training, he earned a commission as a second lieutenant in January of 1942.

Already a skilled pilot before the war, Jimmy was posted as an instructor pilot at various air bases within the US and used in a propaganda film to encourage Air Force recruitment and keep public morale high. The military, fearful of losing a major celebrity in action, wanted to keep him safe and sound in the United States, but this was not enough for Stewart. He wanted to serve in Europe.

Frustrated and concerned that he would be kept 'behind the lines' for the rest of the war, he appealed to his commander, who cooperated with his wishes, and in August of 1943 reassigned him to a unit which was shortly to be sent into action overseas. The unit was the 445th Bombardment Group. Arriving at their base in Norfolk England in December of 1943, the 445th immediately began combat operations flying missions over Germany. It was during this stage of his service that Stewart, as a result of bravery and intelligence in battle, was promoted to the rank of Major. In March of 1944 he was transferred as group operations officer to the 453rd Bombardment Group, and during this time he flew as command pilot in the groups lead B-24 plane on several missions deep into Nazi-occupied Europe.

In July of 1944, after flying 20 highly dangerous combat missions (note that this was the officially recorded number - he often instructed his personnel not to record his missions), having survived a major air battle with the Luftwaffe and a near fatal crash landing, James Stewart was made Chief of Staff of the 2nd Combat Bombardment Wing of the Eighth Air Force, thus finally, to the Armies relief, removing him from direct combat.

By the end of the war he had achieved the rank of Colonel, had received the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions in combat TWICE, had been awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French Air Force, and also received the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

Remaining an active member of the US Air Force Reserve after the war, he retired in May of 1968 with the rank of Brigadier General.

Please remember the Canteen is here to honor, support and entertain our troops and their families.  This is a politics-free zone!  Thanks for helping us in our mission! 



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; heroes; military; troopsupport
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To: Kathy in Alaska

41 posted on 06/23/2013 7:53:51 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

George Formby - Our Sgt. Major

42 posted on 06/23/2013 7:58:54 PM PDT by Liberty Valance (Keep a simple manner for a happy life :o)
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To: darkwing104
Good evening, dduck...Jimmy Stewart, a true hero!

Swearing in, March 22, 1941.

43 posted on 06/23/2013 8:02:28 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
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To: Kathy in Alaska
Jimmy Stewart, Clark Gable - both served with distinction in WWII


44 posted on 06/23/2013 8:07:47 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
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To: Kathy in Alaska
Don Rickles - US Navy. Destroyer duty.


45 posted on 06/23/2013 8:16:01 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty - Honor - Country! What else needs said?)
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To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; TMSuchman; PROCON; ...




GOD BLESS AND PROTECT OUR TROOPS AND OUR BELOVED NATION!


TATTOO
(Click)


Must retire – the 0445 Reveille approaches relentlessly.

The Bugler, his grim visage replete with an evil sneer, already mounts the parapet.

Hollywood Icon Jimmy Stewart
Stands The Watch Tonight!


B.Gen. James Stewart, USAF
WWII

"Do poor Tom some charity, whom the foul fiend vexes!"
(King Lear, Act III, Scene iv)




All Gave Some – Some Gave All!!!
(Click)


Good night, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America!

Godspeed our Troops around the Globe – especially those in harm’s way – by virtue of their service and sacrifice we continue to live in Freedom!

"Dia shábháil ar fad anseo!"
(God Save All Here!)









Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

"Riamh nár dhruid ó sbairn lann!"

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

46 posted on 06/23/2013 8:16:37 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Resting now. Big weekend with visit from daughter and grand daughter, youngest graduating high school today. Hot one too with temps in 90’s. Summer is here for sure.


47 posted on 06/23/2013 8:17:31 PM PDT by The Mayor (Honesty means never having to look over your shoulder.)
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To: The Mayor

Boy, you really were busy.

Congratulations to your graduate.


48 posted on 06/23/2013 8:29:08 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Thanks! Last one before Grands start in 4 years.


49 posted on 06/23/2013 8:30:32 PM PDT by The Mayor (Honesty means never having to look over your shoulder.)
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To: ConorMacNessa

LOL! They need smiting....lemmings for sure. No clue!


50 posted on 06/23/2013 8:31:42 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
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To: Liberty Valance; LUV W; mylife; AZamericonnie; Drumbo; Publius; MS.BEHAVIN
Sad news from Memphis tonight ...
Rest in peace Bobby Blue Bland Bobby Blue Bland - Chicago '81
51 posted on 06/23/2013 8:39:07 PM PDT by Liberty Valance (Keep a simple manner for a happy life :o)
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To: Liberty Valance

Bummer dude. I always liked Bobby Blue Bland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUAK7t3Lf8s


52 posted on 06/23/2013 8:42:39 PM PDT by mylife (Ted Cruz understands the law, and he does not fear the unlawful.)
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To: Liberty Valance
This Time I'm Gone For Good
53 posted on 06/23/2013 8:46:10 PM PDT by mylife (Ted Cruz understands the law, and he does not fear the unlawful.)
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To: mylife

lol!


54 posted on 06/23/2013 8:46:47 PM PDT by Liberty Valance (Keep a simple manner for a happy life :o)
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To: Kathy in Alaska
A parting shot as I make my way up to Boudoir MacNessa:



Lilium "Montana" - My Back Garden - 23 June 2013

These Lilies were drooping to the ground being overcome by Thistle and wild Asters until Daniel liberated them.

Thank you, Daniel - you're a good man and I'm well proud of you!





"Dia shábháil ar fad anseo!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

55 posted on 06/23/2013 8:51:23 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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Buh Bye Bobby Buh Bye


56 posted on 06/23/2013 8:57:22 PM PDT by mylife (Ted Cruz understands the law, and he does not fear the unlawful.)
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To: Kathy in Alaska
Praise to John-Man as well - he lifted them off the ground and restored them to their rightful posture as Monarchs of the Early Summer Garden!

Good on you, Lad!

I raise my glass to you!



"Dia shábháil ar fad anseo!"

Genuflectimus non ad principem sed ad Principem Pacis!

Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. (Isaiah 49:1 KJV)

57 posted on 06/23/2013 9:02:27 PM PDT by ConorMacNessa (HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines RVN 1969 - St. Michael the Archangel defend us in Battle!)
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To: Liberty Valance

Sorry to hear that!


58 posted on 06/23/2013 9:05:01 PM PDT by luvie (All my heroes wear camos!)
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To: ConorMacNessa
God Bless you good, Mac. Good night and rest well. Thanks for helping honor our troops, past and present.
Thank you for your service to our country.


59 posted on 06/23/2013 9:07:31 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
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To: mountainlion; ConorMacNessa; darkwing104; SandRat; left that other site; LUV W; beachn4fun; All
This was Jimmy Stewart's last combat mission...

Mr Stewart Goes To Vietnam

And he and his wife lost their son in Vietnam...

Jimmy Stewart's Stepson Ambushed In DMZ

60 posted on 06/23/2013 9:20:18 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska ((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
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