Turner Classic Movies to air aviation films in July Published June 21, 2007 LOS ANGELES (AFPN) -- Leading up to the Air Force's 60th anniversary, Turner Classic Movies will broadcast aviation-themed films for 24-hours each Tuesday throughout July. To honor the Air Force's heritage, TCM has selected a variety of vintage Air Force related movies for broadcast, such as "Strategic Air Command" and "Winning Your Wings," both starring Jimmy Stewart. "Winning Your Wings" is a short recruiting film in which Stewart plays himself -- a lieutenant at the time, but he would go on to attain the rank of brigadier general -- the highest ranking of Hollywood stars ever to serve in the armed forces. Featuring two of Stewart's films honors the Air Force in several ways, said Lt Col Stephen Clutter, the director of the Air Force Entertainment Liaison office in Los Angeles. "He had just won his first Oscar for "Philadelphia Story"," Clutter said. He was at what seemed to be the peak of his acting career, but putting service before himself, he saw the war coming and joined the Army Air Corps as a private in 1940. Despite attempts to use him for publicity, he fought to become a pilot and fought to get into the war. The recruiting film he made that will be featured on TCM is a rare look at the actor before he went on to distinguish himself as combat leader" and was one of several public relations projects he worked while on active duty. Stewart went on to fly B-24 Liberator bombers over Europe, commanding at the squadron and wing level. Ironically, his first film back after the war was "It's a Wonderful Life," in which he plays 4-F George Bailey. After the war, Stewart also played a major role in the formation of the Air Force, serving as a spokesman for the Air Force Association's effort to advocate the need for a separate Air Force -- ultimately succeeding when President Truman signed legislation in September 1947. Other famous aviation films to be played will include Clark Gable's "Test Pilot," "God Is My Copilot," "Fighter Squadron" and "Air Force." Renowned film critic and TV host Robert Osborne is expected to discuss the Air Force' 60th anniversary during some segments of the special. Films focusing on the military will be broadcast primarily on July 24, their "Military Aviation Day," as part of their overall aviation festival. Films will be broadcast from approximately 6 a.m. beginning July 3 until approximately 6 a.m. July 4th. In addition to July 3, other broadcast dates are July 10, 17, 24 and 31. Other military service branch related films will be broadcast as well as will popular civilian aviation related films throughout the month. TCM has earned its reputation as the leading movie network in the business by, according to entertainment publication Daily Variety, by among other things, not accepting any outside advertising, by running pristine prints of its movies and by letter boxing every picture filmed with a widescreen camera. For a complete schedule go to the TCM link and then click on the dates July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) Click here to view the comments/letters page