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Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient Jimmy Stewart
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Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient Jimmy Stewart
JAMES M. STEWART
Awarded by
President Ronald Reagan
May 23, 1985
James Maitland Stewart arrived in Hollywood in 1935, and today, half a century later, his credits include more than 70 pictures, including such classics as "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "The Philadelphia Story," and "It's a Wonderful Life." A patriot, Mr. Stewart served with distinction as a pilot during World War II, rising to the rank of colonel in the Eighth Air Force. His typically American characters--boyish, honest and kind--mirror the Jimmy Stewart in real life--an American boy who grew to a glorious manhood, but never lost his sense of wonder or his innocence.
Biography Hometown Boy
Jimmy Stewart's life abounds with stories of family, faith, friends and films. We're proud to share some highlights of Indiana's favorite son with you here in honor of the grand opening of the James M. Stewart Museum. Jimmy holds a special spot in the hearts of his hometown friends and fans. From his own comments, it appears the fondness is mutual: "Indiana means home to me. It is a town for me to cling to, because my mother and father are here. I was born and reared here. I have a great love and pride for Indiana. I love every bit of it. " (Upon being named a Pennsylvania Ambassador by Governor James Duff, October 1, 1948) "Through the years Indiana has been something of tremendous importance in my life. It's true there is something special about the place where you were raised-your hometown. I have found through the years during the times when I've been here in Indiana that almost every direction I look, and so many faces I see, immediately cause a picture to be formed of an event, a happening in my life that I remember well. " "I think the main thing that has kept Indiana so close to my heart is the fact that Indiana has been, and still is, the headquarters of Mr. Alex Stewart and his family... My father has been almost fanatical in his determination to keep our family together-and he has done it. Time and distance haven't seemed to have affected this headquarters in Indiana." "I've settled down 3,000 miles from Indiana. I've traveled to points in the world three times that distance. At times I've stayed away several years at a stretch, but I somehow have never felt that I was very far from here. ...somehow I don't feel that I have ever been away. " (Boy Scout Testimonial Dinner, May 20, 1958; Jimmy's fiftieth birthday)
James M. Stewart was born on May 20, 1908 in his parents' home on Philadelphia Street, Indiana, the only son of Alexander and Elizabeth Stewart. After Jimmy's arrival the family expanded to include daughters Virginia and Mary.
Alex owned and operated the J.M. Stewart Hardware Store, located prominently on Philadelphia Street in a building constructed in 1853. It would become home to an assortment of Jimmy's photos surrounding his Oscar, encased in glass, for best actor in The Philadelphia Story-an honor as prized by father as by son. But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Let's go back over 80 years ago...
When Jimmy was five years old, his dad purchased a house atop Vinegar Hill, with a view overlooking downtown Indiana. The Indiana Gazette, in its 1983 tabloid honoring Jimmy's 75th birthday, reports the Stewart children sliding on an Oriental rug down the stairway of their home, presenting magic shows and impromptu plays in the basement, and circling the top of Vinegar Hill in a horse-drawn rig.
The Stewarts were pillars of Calvary Presbyterian Church, which Jim's grandfather, James, joined in protest when neighboring Graystone Presbyterian Church resisted his suggestion the congregation include organ music in worship services. Music played an important part in the Stewart home, with Bessie an accomplished pianist and Alex described as a hearty singer in the church choir. Some think that the accordion, which Jimmy picked up under the guidance of a local barber, helped him press open the door to show business. A Special Bond
Jimmy and his dad had a special bond. Six-foot, three-inch Alex was active in Indiana's civic life, including 40 years as a volunteer fireman. The son followed closely in the father's over-sized footsteps, taking an interest in community affairs, especially Boy Scouts. At the 1958 Scouting dinner in Indiana, Jim said, "I wouldn't trade my experiences in Scouting for anything."
In 1923, as a student at Indiana Normal School's (now Indiana University of Pennsylvania's) laboratory school for children, Jimmy wrote an essay about the Red Cross: "The American Red Cross and its work in our midst is something that should appeal to every earnest citizen. During the past year, the Indiana County chapter has been doing a great deal toward setting aright the tangled affairs of both ex-soldiers and civilians, be their troubles mental, physical or economic."
The following stories illustrate the relationship between Jimmy and his dad:
Alex and others decided after World War I that the community needed a statue to honor the war's doughboys. Skeleton Park, an old cemetery which is now Indiana County Memorial Park located a few blocks from downtown Indiana, was to be the designated site.
Members of the Lutheran church, who argued they'd inherited the cemetery, weren't convinced the statue belonged there and they presented Alex with a court order telling him so. Alex listened sympathetically to the delegation. After they left, he continued to install a base for the statue. He also proceeded to make sure the land was actually county property and the rightful spot for the memorial.
When it came time to set the marble column that was to support the statue, young Jim was at his dad's side. Alex handed him a coin to insert in the wet cement, a lasting, hidden mark of a young boy who would grow up to be known around the world.
Another day, Jimmy campaigned to see President Harding's train as it passed through Torrance railroad station near Blairsville. The only trouble was, the scheduled hour was 3:30 a.m. Mother Bessie, a sensible woman, nixed the idea. Her more adventurous husband, however, aroused Jimmy in the middle of the night to travel to the station twenty miles away. To remember the occasion, Alex and his son placed two coins on the track. The flattened keepsakes became, to quote The Gazette, " ...a token of the night he and his dad disobeyed to see a bit of history flash by." Jimmy later lost his coin, but discovered his dad's in a desk drawer in the family hardware store after Alex died. From "The Frog Prince" to "The Philadelphia Story"
Jimmy's first theatrical appearance outside of the family basement came with the lab school's commencement play, 'The Frog Prince.' He probably had that in mind when he gave this description: I had this stunt when I was a kid. I could put one leg-the right one, up back of my head and then hook the left one on the right leg and then raise myself up by my arms and swing both legs behind my head. I remember when I had a small part of a show given at school-and my dad had sent to Pittsburgh and rented a frog suit for me with green tights and a big frog's head, and I hopped on stage and put my legs around my neck and swung on my arms.
Jimmy proceeded to Mercersburg Academy, a prep school where, among many other activities, he participated in the senior class play, 'The Wolves'.
Perhaps his film career really got its start when Jimmy operated a hand-cranked film projector at the Strand Theater on Philadelphia Street in Indiana. He also gained some show biz savvy assisting his boyhood pal, Bill Neff, perform magician shows.
Jim graduated with honors from Princeton with a degree in architecture in 1932, in the midst of the Great Depression. While an undergraduate, he pumped an accordion in some Triangle Club productions at the ivy league school. On graduation day, he ran across Joshua Logan, a fellow Princetonian and future movie producer, who invited him to join the University Players in Falmouth, Massachusetts, that summer as 'resident accordionist.' Jim abandoned architecture and made his professional debut in 'Good-bye Again.' When the show moved on to Broadway, so did Jimmy. A part in 'Carrie Nation' followed. His roommate in New York was another young fellow named Henry Fonda.
Jimmy returned briefly to the family hardware store to work after that, but his life's direction was now set on a course which would take him far from the rural boundaries of Indiana County. A few more Broadway performances and Jimmy headed for Hollywood.
His first film was 'Murder Man,' with Spencer Tracy for MGM in 1935. He appeared in twenty-four movies over the next four years, with an Oscar nomination for 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.' In 1940, the Oscar was his for his performance in 'The Philadelphia Story.' Within the next year his acting career was brought to an abrupt halt by World War II. The Radio Career of Jimmy Stewart
Jimmy Stewart has said that radio was his favorite medium after the movies. His radio career spanned seven decades, from his performance in only one scene of Yellow Jack in 1934 to his It's a Thankful Life Thanksgiving special which aired on November 22, 1990. Perhaps the radio show Jimmy Stewart appeared on most frequently was the Lux Radio Theatre. His first appearance on that program was in June 1937.
Week after week CBS' showcase program played to audiences of 36 million. In the course of some 900 programs, the show established a radio genre with Cecil B. DeMille at its center. Overcoming the problem of compressing feature-length films into a one hour radio show, the program spread to over 65 stations in the United States and 29 in Canada. In addition to bringing in the Hollywood stars, the program also developed its own company of players. James Stewart appeared in a number of Lux Theatre productions, including Destry Rides Again, It's a Wonderful Life and Winchester '73.
Screen Guild Theatre ran back to back with Lux Radio Theatre and they were similar in drawing Hollywood stars to repeat film roles for radio. For a Lux appearance, an actor might earn as much as $5,000; for a Screen Guild role, the performers donated their salaries to the Motion Picture Relief Fund, primarily for the support of the Motion Picture Country Home for retired actors.
MGM's promotional program Good News of 1938 was frequently hosted by James Stewart. Various MGM stars with pictures about to be released appeared as guests on the show to promote their films and MGM in general. The regulars on the program included Fanny Brice, Ray Bolger and Frank Morgan. Identified variously as The Maxwell House Hours, The Maxwell House MGM Hours, Film Stars on Parade and Good News of 1938, the show, according to Variety, had a substantial budget for talent - $25,000 per episode.
Jimmy Stewart enlisted in the Army Air Corps in March 1941. Before being shipped overseas, Stewart appeared in a number of radio programs in support of the war effort. In December 1941, he served as host for the radio program We Hold These Truths. The program was a tribute to the Bill of Rights on its 150th birthday, and the program drew the largest audience in the then history of radio, over sixty million people. At the end, much in the manner of Jefferson Smith, Stewart gave an impassioned speech for American democracy. Cpl. James Stewart then introduced the President of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Lt. James Stewart hosted The Chase and Sanborn Hour, broadcast from the Army Air Force Base at Stockton Field, California. The show was designed to promote enlistments in various branches of the military.
Letter at Midnight ran from February to July 1942. Lt. James Stewart appeared on this program which depicted the bravery and courage of an American soldier writing to the folks back home and describing his reasons for fighting the enemy.
The Your Air Force - This is War documentary appeared on April 4, 1942 with Lt. James Stewart. In July 1942 Jimmy Stewart appeared in uniform for the Lux Radio Theatre presentation of The Philadelphia Story. Also during the summer of 1942, Jimmy Stewart narrated documentaries for the Office of War Information.
Stewart's first post war radio appearance was the Lux Radio Theatre version of Destry Rides Again. He had declined MGM's offer of a new contract after the war and remained independent. He also stayed unemployed for several months. Fortunately for him, radio was there to supply some roles while he waited for a screen part. The job offer finally came from Frank Capra for It's a Wonderful Life.
On April 4, 1948, the Theatre Guild of the Air, broadcast The Philadelphia Story, sponsored by the U. S. Steel Company as a homecoming performance for James Stewart. The program was broadcast from Pittsburgh with 8,000 people in the audience. Over 30,000 had requested tickets. His hometown of Indiana took the opportunity to honor their native son, making him Honorary Superintendent of Police.
Another philanthropic appearance was A Christmas Program which first aired on Christmas Eve 1948 from the Presbyterian Church of Brentwood. This program became an annual event, and was a fundraiser for the church.
There were also a number of variety shows that Stewart appeared on beginning with the Kraft Music Hall in 1937. Bing Crosby's variety show, Bob Hope's, and of course, The Jack Benny Show followed.
The Stewart and Benny families were neighbors in Beverly Hills and Stewart performed on Benny's radio show and later appeared with his wife Gloria on his television program. Radio appearances such as these provided Stewart the opportunity to publicize his latest films.
By 1953, in addition to working on Universal films, Stewart was also employed by a Universal subsidiary, Revue Productions, in radio. In a last ditch effort to stave off television, NBC radio began broadcasting a weekly western, The Six Shooter, one of the most impressive series in broadcasting history.
The Six Shooter pilot aired April 13, 1952. The series began on September 20, 1953 and ran until June 24, 1954. The Six Shooter is still being broadcast today on various radio stations across the country. As played by Stewart, Britt Ponset was an easy-going, soft-spoken and slow-to-draw cowboy who drifted into town, patched things up and moved on. Memorable from the show was the narrator's opening description of Britt Ponset: "The man in the saddle is angular and long-legged; his skin is sun-dyed brown. The gun in his holster is gray steel and rainbow mother-of-pearl. People call them both The Six Shooter."
A replica of a 1932 Crosley Radio graces an end table in the "parlor" of the Museum's Indiana Gallery. As you visit that corner, you can almost hear the broadcast from KDKA Pittsburgh. But you soon realize it is not a live radio broadcast you are listening to.
Among the artifacts received by The Jimmy Stewart Museum in May 1998 from the Stewart Foundation, were copies of some of Stewart's radio shows ranging from the 1941 We Hold These Truths, to The Six Shooter series. On your next visit to The Jimmy Stewart Museum, experience for yourself an old-time radio broadcast. War Interrupts Film Career
With his acting success, Jimmy was able to embark on his big dream -- to learn to fly. During 1935 he took lessons at Minesfield, now the Los Angeles International Airport, where he flew the Fleet Trainer, a two-seat open cockpit bi-plane. Jimmy gained his private pilot's license in 1935 and bought his first airplane, a Stinson 105. In 1938-39, he gained his commercial pilot's license.
Germany had already plunged Europe into war and Jim recognized the consequences of Germany's actions. Faced with the possibility of draft (and a low draft number), he enlisted on March 22, 1941, bringing with him a family tradition of military service. Both grandfathers were Civil War veterans. His father left college to fight near San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War before returning to Princeton to graduate. Alex again served during World War I, and Jim once again followed in his father's steps.
He had hoped that his few hundred hours of flying experience would enhance his chances of seeing action. However, his superiors were more interested in Jimmy's potential as a publicity figure and were consequently intent on keeping him out of danger.
To comply with the regulations of the Air Corps proficiency board, Stewart required additional flying hours and bought another hundred hours flying at a nearby field, at his own expense. He then took and passed a very stiff proficiency board examination, but still hadn't received his commission when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. In January 1942, his commission materialized and he expected some real flying. However, he was sent to Kirtland Field in New Mexico to instruct bombardiers.
Jim was next sent to Hobbs Field for a course on B-17's. After a period as Operations Officer at Gowen Field, Idaho, he was transferred to Sioux City, Iowa where the 445th Bomb Group (Heavy) required an operations officer for the 703rd Squadron. Jimmy's outstanding flying ability and his leadership potential soon became evident and after less than a month, he was given command of the squadron.
Already a movie star, he soon would become a hero in his own right. Jim became an air corps pilot and a squadron commander. Before he left from Sioux City, Iowa to travel overseas, his dad wrote him a note. Once aboard his plane, Jimmy unfolded it and read the words which Alex, choked with emotion, was unable to say aloud: "My dear Jim boy. Soon after you read this letter, you will be on your way to the worst sort of danger... Jim, I'm banking on the enclosed copy of the 91st Psalm. The thing that takes the place of fear and worry is the promise of these words. I am staking my faith in these words. I feel sure that God will lead you through this mad experience... I can say no more. I only continue to pray. Goodbye, my dear. God bless you and keep you. I love you more than I can tell you. Dad."
His family's prayers were answered. Jimmy returned home to Indiana, a decorated war hero, welcomed by a sign Alex attached to the golden cupola of what was then the Indiana County Court House. "Welcome, Jim" could be seen from the Stewart's hillside home. Life Magazine immortalized the sign and Jimmy's homecoming as he posed on the ledge of a neighboring building.
His war record included 20 combat missions as command pilot. After being promoted to squadron commander, he became operations officer, and from 1944 to 1945 served as chief of staff, 2nd Combat Wing, 2nd Division, 8th Air Force. Jim said under the stress of leadership he learned to lean on the words of that tattered copy of the 91st Psalm: "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him I will trust.' ...Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day... For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone..."
"What a promise for an airman," Jimmy later would say. "I placed in His Hands the squadron I would be leading. And, as the psalmist promised, I felt myself borne up."
It was after the war that Jimmy, under the direction of Frank Capra, starred in 'It's A Wonderful Life.' It's the story of a small town and how one man's life really does make a difference. This is his favorite film and for it he won his third academy award nomination. Today, across from the Jimmy Stewart Museum, you'll find a sign on the spot where Stewart Hardware store stood for so many years. It reads 'Bedford Falls,' reminding people how similar George Bailey's imaginary hamlet is to Jimmy Stewart's real life hometown. Hollywood's Most Eligible Bachelor
Following the war, Jimmy purchased a home in Hollywood. In 1949, tinsel town's most eligible bachelor met Gloria Hatrick McLean. She was ten years his junior, and they were seated next to each other at a party at Gary Cooper's house. Soon they were dating, playing golf together, and making interesting copy for Hollywood newspapers. A wedding in Brentwood Presbyterian Church followed the next year. Jim was a member there and served on the fund-raising committee for the new building. He later joshed about his dad tapping the shoulders of some of the wedding guests to help to pay for pews.
Gloria brought two sons into Jimmy's life from a previous marriage, Ronald, 5, and Michael, 2. In 1951 twin daughters arrived, Judy and Kelly. In February, 1968, Jimmy pinned second lieutenant bars on Ron, commissioned a Marine officer. He was killed in Vietnam on June 8 of the next year. The other Stewart children are now grown and married.
Jimmy and Gloria were one of Hollywood's most enduring couples for nearly 45 years. In February 1994, Jimmy lost his beloved wife. A Legendary Career
In the mid-twentieth century, new opportunities displayed Jimmy's maturing skills. Cowboys were hot in the 50's, and "Winchester 73" persuaded the public Jimmy's talent had outgrown his nice guy image. His versatility was evidenced in the variety of roles he tackled, from "The Man Who Knew Too Much" to "The Magic of Lassie." His characterization of Elwood P. Dowd in "Harvey" became a Stewart classic, leading to stage performances and a television special starring Jimmy and a certain six-foot tall, invisible rabbit. Through TV appearances (including the short-lived Jimmy Stewart Show in 1971-72) and movie re-runs, more fans became familiar with his style and grace. "It's A Wonderful Life" became a television Christmas tradition, viewed annually by millions.
Jimmy Stewart is among Hollywood's most highly honored and deeply loved men. This is not only for his professional successes, but every bit as much for his integrity, his character, and his humanitarianism. He's retained his all-American boy image; the years have only added to his stature.
He's been described by one critic as "the most complete actor-personality in the American cinema." Read on through this program and you'll find selected Stewart roles featured here from among some eighty films spanning his remarkable career.
The American Film Institute recognized the magnitude of Jim's accomplishments by awarding him the Life Achievement Award in 1980 for fundamentally advancing the art of American film. In presenting the award, the AFI declared:
In a career of extraordinary range and depth, Jimmy Stewart has come to embody on the screen the very image of the typical American. Whether flying the ocean as Charles Lindbergh, going to Washington as Senator Jefferson Smith, or playing ordinary men who somehow never got around to leaving their home towns, Stewart has captured the essence of American hopes, doubts, and aspirations. His idealism, his determination, his vulnerability, and above all, his basic decency shine through every role he plays...
In 1995 on the occasion of Stewart's 87th birthday, The Jimmy Stewart Museum, along with a new terminal at the Jimmy Stewart Airport, were dedicated with the help of daughters Judy and Kelly in his hometown of Indiana, Pennsylvania. Today visitors come to Indiana from around the world to learn more about his life and career and to see where he grew up and acquired the values he embraced throughout his life - hard work, love of country, love of family, love of community, love of God.
Jimmy Stewart passed away on July 2, 1997 at the age of 89. He was mourned by fans worldwide. Perhaps the greatest tribute of the American Film Institute was the observation that James Stewart is an actor "so beloved by the movie going public that they call him "Jimmy," just like a member of the family." And so he remains, our Jimmy. America still needs heroes, and Jimmy Stewart continues to fill the bill.
Presidential Medal of Freedom wishes to acknowledge with sincere gratitude the work of Gerard Molyneaux, whose bio-bibliography of Jimmy Stewart served as the reference for this article.
Military Career of James Maitland Stewart
Some facts regarding Jimmy's military career: - Overseas 21 months
- 20 combat missions
- Six battle stars
- Remained with the Air Force Reserves
- Promoted to Brigadier General , July 1959
- Retired 1968
- Distinguished Service Medal 1968
- Presidential Medal of Freedom 1985
A full list of medals awarded: - Distinguished Service Medal
- Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster
- Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
- Army Commendation Medal
- American Defense Service Medal
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Service Stars
- World War II Victory Medal
- Armed Forces Reserve Medal
- French Croix de Guerre with Palm
- Presidential Medal of Freedom
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Medal History
