13. James Stewart was an American war hero and later Air Force Reserve General
When the United States entered the Second World War several celebrities, including Hollywood actors and actresses, baseball players, football players, and others, joined the armed forces. Some were turned away due to age or health issues and supported the war by selling war bonds or joining USO tours. Others served in combat, such as baseball’s Ted Williams (who interrupted his baseball career a second time during the Korean War). Jimmy Stewart was one of the most popular actors in the United States, and at the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor already had more than 400 hours of flying time. He enlisted as a private, was promoted to corporal during training, and received a commission as a second lieutenant in January 1942.
Stewart balked at being used in stateside missions for publicity, and for the filming of recruiting films, requesting assignment overseas. He got his wish when he was assigned to the 455th Bomb Group, which went to RAF Tibenham near Norfolk, England. Stewart flew 20 combat missions over France and Germany, in a Consolidated B-24 Liberator, often in command of the sortie. He flew several other missions as an uncredited observer or pathfinder. He received numerous awards for his combat service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross (twice), the Air Medal (with three Oak clusters), and the French Croix de Guerre. He remained in the Army Air Force Reserve and the US Air Force Reserve following the war, eventually rising to the rank of brigadier general, qualified to fly the B-52. Had he never been an actor he would be remembered for his services to the United States Air Force.