Jimmy Stewart was an iconic Hollywood actor, but after being a fighter pilot in World War II, he suffered such extreme PTSD that he ultimately acted out his mental anguish when he starred in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Stewart played George Bailey in the class and there were scenes filled with rage that was directed at his family. Stewart was haunted by what he called “black memories” from his time in the Air Force, and those memories filled his roles in Hollywood long after the war was over.

He wrestled with the guilt of killing civilians in bomb raids over France and Germany, and felt responsible for the death of his men, especially one incident where he lost 13 planes and 130 men who he knew well.

Stewart never spoke about his inner struggles, even to other veterans, but his emotions came out in the parts that he chose when he acted. Films like “Shenandoah” and “Winchester 73” allowed Stewart to show his dark side that was never there before he went to war.

Stewart joined the military to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather who fought in the Civil War. Stewart was called into the war shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor. When asked why he gave up Hollywood to join the military his reply was simple.

“This country’s conscience is bigger than all the studios in Hollywood put together, and the time will come when we’ll have to fight,” he said. He also said that he felt like he had to prove to himself and to women that he was charming enough and attractive.

Stewart and the 445th were deployed to Tibenham in East Anglia in England where they carries out bombing raids on German targets. He chose to fly with his men instead of staying on the ground, unlike many of the other commanding officers.

Throughout the battles, Stewart saw many of his men suffer and die.  He wrote letters to the soldiers’ families that had perished. Those around him say he was hard on himself and the duties got to him pretty fast.

Every decision he made could cost lives, and all the stress that built up in him during the war went back to Hollywood with him. In total, he flew 20 missions and the stress showed in him both physically and mentally.

He couldn’t keep his food down and was unable to sleep. He served four and a half years during World War II and was awarded the Air Medal with oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Crosses, and the Croix de Guerre.

When his time in the military was over and his family saw him for the first time, they couldn’t believe what they saw. Their young boy had aged what seemed like decades. He was 37 and looked 50. His hair had grayed and his body was rake thin.

Stewart’s days as a romantic Hollywood lead were over and he had trouble finding work. Finally, director Frank Capra hired him for “It’s a Wonderful Life” and that was the lifeline that rehabilitated him in the eyes of Hollywood.

The movie also provided an outlet for all of his emotions. Time and time again, Stewart took acting roles that allowed him to demonstrate the rage he kept inside. The roles enabled him to be ferocious and show raw emotion; a capacity that he didn’t have, or need, before the war.

Check out the video clip below from “It’s a Wonderful Life” and be sure to share it with your family and friends.