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Col. James T. Stewart
James Thompson Stewart (1921-1990) was a colonel in the United States Air Force, and later commander of the Aeronautical Systems Division, Air Force Systems Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base...view moreJames Thompson Stewart (1921-1990) was a colonel in the United States Air Force, and later commander of the Aeronautical Systems Division, Air Force Systems Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, the division responsible for developing and buying all Air Force aircraft, engines and atmospheric missiles.
Col. Stewart was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1921 and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1938. He then attended the University of Michigan and enlisted as an aviation cadet in 1941, receiving his pilot wings and commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps Reserve at Brooks Field, Texas, in 1942. He received a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering in 1948 from the University of Michigan. In 1960 he attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. In 1963 he received a master of business administration degree from The George Washington University.
His first military assignment was in 1942 with the 116th Observation Squadron, Fort Lewis, Washington, where he flew coastal patrol missions in the early months of World War II. Further appointments followed, culminating in his role of commander of the 508th Bombardment Squadron, 351st Bombardment Group, stationed in Polebrook, England, which he held until V-E Day in 1945.
For his service during 1943-1945, Col. Stewart was awarded the Air Medal seven times and the Croix de Guerre. He also was decorated twice with the Distinguished Flying Cross. His many other awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with six service stars, World War II Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.
Col. Stewart passed away on September 3, 1990.view less