The quiet hero of 'It's a Wonderful Life' (Hint: It's NOT Jimmy Stewart)

There is a great documentary called Five Came Back that is on Netflix. It talks about the filmmakers (including this one for It's a Wonderful Life) going to war and coming back to make films in Hollywood. I had watched "It's a Wonderful Life" before this documentary, but now I have a completely different outlook on these movies because of what these directors when through. Truly an awesome watch!

i spent my first christmas in stuggart germany and still remember it too

Stewart was one of the many Hollywood actors that were in the military. Many, like Jimmy, left their acting careers and then returned as heroes and continued to support the military. Others, like Audie Murphy, made their careers in the military and then went to Hollywood.
Good story.