This class photo included quite a few 17-year-old Army Air Force Reserve Cadets, myself included.  A year later we were all finishing basic training when the atomic bombs destroyed Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  Three months after that, we scattered to Germany and Japan, replacing veteran troops who were gleefully returning home.

CAP officers and cadets graduate in 1944

Consolidated B-24 emerges from flak area with its No. 2 engine smoking. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Hit by flak

Brigadier General and distinguished movie actor James "Jimmy" Stewart, studio photograph, 1945.  A highly-qualified pilot prewar (he had obtained a private and a commercial flying license), Stewart struggled hard to obtain a combat assignment, against the threat of being relegated to the War Bond promotion circuit.  He was ultimately successful, flying at least 20 accredited bomber sorties from Britain, as well as numerous sorties as a "pathfinder" pilot and "informal" combat commander.  He also gave impressive service as a staff officer, in the midst of his extensive combat flying.

James Stewart ended the war as a Brigadier General in the US Army Air Force, having accepted original enlistment as a private soldier.  He was extensively decorated, including the decoration of the French Croix de Guerre with Palm.  

After the war, he re-established his movie career, making many important movies in the Western and Suspense categories.  He also invested much of his money and activity in charity work.  One of his sons was killed in Vietnam while serving with the US Marine Corps.  Stewart, a lifelong Republican, always insisted that his son did not die in vain.

A Great American and a soldier, Jimmy Stewart died of a pulmonary embelosim and heart failure, aged 89.  Ar dheis Dé an Anam.  May he rest in peace.  JR.