Join the Gettysburg Heritage Center as we welcome author Robert Matzen and World War II veteran Clem Leone. Matzen's recently released book, "Mission: Jimmy Stewart & the Fight for Europe", takes a new in-depth look at Stewart's life in military service, and his return to Hollywood after the war.
Clem Leone, a World War II veteran from the Gettysburg area, who served with Jimmy, will be in attendance to talk about his time in the military, and serving along side Stewart.
Book Description:
In March 1941, Jimmy Stewart, America’s boy next door and recent Academy Award winner, left fame and fortune behind and joined the United States Army Air Corps to fulfill his family mission and serve his country. He rose from private to colonel and participated in 20 often-brutal World War II combat missions over Germany and France. In mere months the war took away his boyish looks as he faced near-death experiences and the loss of men under his command. The war finally won, he returned home with millions of other veterans to face an uncertain future, suffering what we now know as PTSD. Younger stars like Gregory Peck were now getting roles that might have been Stewart’s, and he didn’t know if he would ever work in Hollywood again. Then came It’s a Wonderful Life.
For the next half century, Stewart refused to discuss his combat experiences and took the story of his service to the grave. Mission presents the first in-depth look at Stewart’s life as a Squadron Commander in the skies over Germany, and, his return to Hollywood the changed man who embarked on production of America’s most beloved holiday classic.
Books are available for purchase at the Gettysburg Heritage Center before and during the event. If you are unable to attend, and would like to place an order for a signed copy, to be shipped following the event call 717-334-6245 or shop online at www.GettysburgMuseum.com.
Clem Leone, a World War II veteran from the Gettysburg area, who served with Jimmy, will be in attendance to talk about his time in the military, and serving along side Stewart.
Book Description:
In March 1941, Jimmy Stewart, America’s boy next door and recent Academy Award winner, left fame and fortune behind and joined the United States Army Air Corps to fulfill his family mission and serve his country. He rose from private to colonel and participated in 20 often-brutal World War II combat missions over Germany and France. In mere months the war took away his boyish looks as he faced near-death experiences and the loss of men under his command. The war finally won, he returned home with millions of other veterans to face an uncertain future, suffering what we now know as PTSD. Younger stars like Gregory Peck were now getting roles that might have been Stewart’s, and he didn’t know if he would ever work in Hollywood again. Then came It’s a Wonderful Life.
For the next half century, Stewart refused to discuss his combat experiences and took the story of his service to the grave. Mission presents the first in-depth look at Stewart’s life as a Squadron Commander in the skies over Germany, and, his return to Hollywood the changed man who embarked on production of America’s most beloved holiday classic.
Books are available for purchase at the Gettysburg Heritage Center before and during the event. If you are unable to attend, and would like to place an order for a signed copy, to be shipped following the event call 717-334-6245 or shop online at www.GettysburgMuseum.com.