New film ‘Jimmy’ shines light on Jimmy Stewart’s World War II legacy

While widely remembered for his storied acting career, known for roles in It's a Wonderful Life and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Stewart was an accomplished bomber pilot who flew 20 combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe with the Eighth Air Force. He served as the commander of the 453rd Bomb Group, flying Consolidated B–24 Liberators, and later spent nearly three decades in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a brigadier general.

To mark the film's release, the Dallas-based Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is highlighting Stewart's legacy during its Aviation Discovery Fest on November 6 and 7 at Dallas Executive Airport. Visitors will be able to see Diamond Lil, the CAF’s B–24 Liberator. As the only flying B–24A left in the world, the aircraft is a rare surviving example of the bomber type that Stewart and his fellow airmen flew during the war. Film director Aaron Burns noted that the CAF provided critical technical assistance to the production to ensure the aircraft's history was accurately portrayed.

The festival will also host guests on Friday, November 6, including screenwriter Justin Strawhand and Kara Killmer, who plays Lady Tyndall in the film. While the B–24 Liberator was the most-produced U.S. heavy bomber in history with over 18,000 built, only a handful remain today. CAF CEO David Oliver stated that keeping historic warbirds like Diamond Lil operational is vital to preserving the firsthand history of the generation that served in World War II. Attendees at Discovery Fest can view the aircraft up close, meet the pilots and volunteers, and purchase flights on more than a dozen historic World War II aircraft including Diamond Lil.

To learn more about Jimmy, visit Jimmy the Movie or visit the Aviation Discovery Fest website for more information.