26. Jimmy Stewart left Hollywood to join the Air Force
When America joined WWII, Jimmy Stewart was an established star. It would have been easy to avoid service – e.g.; John Wayne – or secure a safe gig that allowed him to be seen in uniform while staying away from danger – e.g.; Ronald Reagan. But Stewart’s grandfather had fought against the South, and his father had fought against Spain and Germany. So when war came along, Stewart signed up. He had been drafted in 1940, but was medically rejected for being underweight. However, Stewart was a flight enthusiast with a pilot’s certificate, and over 400 hours flying when the war began. He managed to join the Army Air Forces in 1941, despite being underweight, and was commissioned a second lieutenant.
