Uniform, Military Dress
Object number2015.7.1 a-d
Manufacturer
Bradford Cap Company
Date1941-1945
OriginLos Angeles, CA
MediumWool; Fabric; Metal; Plastic; Leather; Ink
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
DescriptionMilitary uniform consisting of service jacket, jacket belt, and service cap.DimensionsHeight x Width (a - Width between shoulder seams): 33.25 × 18.75 in. (84.5 × 47.6 cm)Length x Width x Depth (b): 39 × 2.25 × 0.625 in. (99.1 × 5.7 × 1.6 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (c): 5.25 × 9 × 11 in. (13.3 × 22.9 × 27.9 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (d): 0.5 × 4.313 × 0.75 in. (1.3 × 11 × 1.9 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
Interior pocket inside proper left front panel has white label on inside with black printed text "Name / Lot / Size" and blue stamped text that has been crossed out "4003 / 83278" and blue stamped text "J STEWART".
(c)
Brown leather sweatband has name stamped into proper left side "J M STEWART".
Marks(a)
Interior pocket inside proper left front panel has green fabric maker's label on exterior with embroidered silver text "EQUIPPED WITH / E-Zee Action-Back / ENSURES LASTING GOOD / APPEARANCE, COMFORT / AND SMART STYLE."
(c)
Interior of cap has maker's mark at center "[illustration of service cap] / BRADFORD CAP CO. / 9 BEACH ST / BOSTON / UNIFORM / CAPS / REGALIA".
(d)
Text on reverse side of Air Force Cross ribbon bar "WOLF-BROWN" and Silver Star Medal ribbon bar "LOS ANGELES".
Proper right clutch back fastener has engraved text on face "PATENT PENDING".
Historical NotesThis military dress jacket and hat belonged to Indiana, Pa., native and film star James "Jimmy" Stewart. Stewart loved flying so much that he bought his own plane and began taking lessons in 1935 as soon as his actor's salary allowed him to do so. He earned a commercial pilot's license in 1938 and often flew himself home to visit his family in Indiana. By the time Stewart enlisted with the U. S. Army Air Corps in 1941, he had flown over 400 flight hours. He intended to fly in combat overseas. But due to his fame and experience, Stewart was initially given a series of stateside jobs training and managing other pilots. Finally, after appealing to his commanding officer, Stewart got his wish in 1943. Sent to England, he flew as a B-24 combat leader on twenty bombing runs into Germany. Stewart was eventually awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and the French Croix de Guerre. Throughout his military career, Stewart worked to overcome his celebrity status and play his part along with every other soldier. After the war, he refused to allow Hollywood to capitalize on his war record to promote films.
Previous owner
James Maitland Stewart
Related institution
United States Army Air Corps
On View
Not on viewCollections
1941-1953
c. 1942
1974-2012