UPL 80915
IMAGEJimmy Stewart enlisted as a private March 22, 1941 and spent 9 months at Moffett Field, where he would obtain a commission to become a pilot (Jan 1, 1942). Before this, he and Phil Staley had a run-in on base and discussed the need to eat bananas to gain weight. Initially, Jimmy was rejected in November of 1940 for being underweight. James (Jimmy) Stewart went on to fly B-24’s with the 445th and 453rd BG, and was promoted to full Colonel in only 4 years. He had a successful career in the USAAF/USAF, retiring in 1968 as a Brigadier General. Philip Staley went on to fly 30 missions as a Staff Sgt. with the 401st BG, 612th SQ, starting in December of 1943 out of Deenethorpe, England. Pictured: Cpl. James M. Stewart and Cpl. Philip C. Staley at Moffett Field in 1941. See UPL 80920 for Additional Photo Restored by HowdiColour Image Recovery & Colour
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People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 401st Bomb Group 612th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 39151977
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Tail Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 2nd Combat Bomb Wing 445th Bomb Group 453rd Bomb Group 703rd Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-433210
- Highest Rank: Brigadier General
- Role/Job: Aircraft Commander; Operations Officer; Chief of Staff