Not an ace...but Lt. Gen. James Stewart is probably one of my great heroes for his consistent sense of duty, honor, and integrity.
Had a long family tradition of military service to his county, and tried repeatedly to get into the Army Air Corps -- starting over a year before Pearl. Finally had to sneak past the weight requirement to enlist, on his 3rd try. His pay dropped from $72,000 per year to $260 per year. Despite his Hollywood fame, the only time he pulled strings was to make sure he was assigned to combat status rather than serving as a stateside B-17 pilot instructor (his initial assignment). Contrast that with Bob Hope, whose rear area entertainment got way more attention, and who made a joke out of not enlisting -- "Hey, that's dangerous! I might get hurt! (Nothing against Bob Hope, an icon in his own right. Just meaning to contrast the choices available to Stewart.)
He served as operations officer of the 445th bomb group, and then its commander. He was moved to the new 453rd BG to help iron out some difficulties there, and later rose to be chief of staff for the entire wing. He flew 20 combat missions, in time spans that were simply the most lethal for pilots in US history: statistically speaking, in those days you shouldnt have been able to make it to the 25 mission tour goal.
He was awarded The DFC, the Croix de Guerre, and 7 air medals. He remained active in the reserves and continued to serve in executive roles in the Air Force until mandatory retirement age.
But best of all, he never capitalized on his war record. He put clauses in post war movie contracts prohibiting studios from even mentioning it. He didnt talk much about his service, and redirected attention to those who served without fame -- and those who didnt make it home.
He honestly felt he only did his duty. That's the kind of integrity and honor that's worth idolizing.
