I am a long time Quora subscriber and found a terrific answer to a question someone had asked for, an example of anyone who'd gone from Private to General. 

The answer one respondent authored concerned the career of Jimmy Stewart (one of my favorite actors of all time).

I learned a lot of things about him that I honestly never knew, such as him already being a pilot with a commercial rating prior to joining the war effort as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. In fact, years before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Stewart accumulated over 400 hours of flying time in his logbook! He and some others had founded a pilot training school some years before the entry of the U.S. into the war having concluded that the nation would require a lot of pilots very soon.

Among some "videos" was a recruiting film of the then 2nd Lt. Stewart. Here is the film in it's entirety:

Here is an excellent short biography of the young man as he rose from Private to Brigadier General:

https://connectingvets.radio.com/articles/jimmy-stewart-hollywood-star-and-air-force-2-star-general

"Wings outstretched in the cause of decency" I like that 

I hadn't realised he was a commercial pilot prior to being Air Force either.

The biography link isn't available to Limeys like me unfortunately! (Although that may soon change because it says site not available in the E.U. )

OK, I've just enlisted!  When do I get to fly a plane?? 

I'm trying all out for that $245 per month!  and the little bit of stuff next door...

NOTE: In no way do I mean this to be disrespectful to the many who got paid that amount and less, especially the ones who didn't see retirement... 🍻

Was that gas station attendant really 26? He looked rather old, in fact most of the actors did, especially the guy who said he wasn't 18.. Have we got "younger" over the past 70 years?

Gas station guy was Don Defore.....Ozzie Nelson's next door neighbor "Thorny".

 

1 hour ago, HighBypass said:

"Wings outstretched in the cause of decency" I like that 

I hadn't realised he was a commercial pilot prior to being Air Force either.

The biography link isn't available to Limeys like me unfortunately! (Although that may soon change because it says site not available in the E.U. )

Well, he never flew with any airline being busy with his acting gig of course, but he just loved to fly!

Since this topic seems to have gained a little traction, here is some additional information:

"After the war, Stewart returned to acting but he continued to play a role in the Army Air Force Reserve and the new United States Air Force Reserve, eventually being promoted to Brigadier General in 1959.   

As the decades passed, Stewart maintained his pilot status and was able to assist in recruiting through movie roles and appearances on popular TV shows like "My Three Sons" in 1963."

Sorry about the bio link. I've found another that reads pretty much the same:

https://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2011/10/jimmy-stewart-was-a-two-star-general-in-the-u-s-military/

Pay no attention to the really blatant error in this otherwise well written bio sketch, as even President Ronald Reagan made the same error when he introduced him on two occasions as "Major General James Stewart." After the second time, Jimmy pulled him aside and quietly said "Ronnie, the MC was correct, I am a Brigadier General"

The President then asked him why he hadn't corrected him after the first faux-pas and Jimmy replied "Because it sounded so good!" 😉

Love it! Thanks for sharing......

16 hours ago, n4gix said:

I am a long time Quora subscriber and found a terrific answer to a question someone had asked for, an example of anyone who'd gone from Private to General. 

Thank you for this film. I really enjoyed watching it.  Those were trying times and strength and courage were so evident.  

Stan

Edited October 13, 20205 yr by n4gix
PLEASE!!! Leave out the linked videos when replying!!!