Stewart continued to play a role in the Army Air Forces Reserve following World War II and the new
United States Air Force Reserve after the official establishment of the Air Force as an independent service in 1947.
Stewart received permanent promotion to colonel in 1953 and served as Air Force Reserve commander of
Dobbins Air Force Base, Georgia, the present day
Dobbins Air Reserve Base.
[42][54] He was also one of the 12 founders and a charter member of the
Air Force Association in October 1945. Stewart rarely spoke about his wartime service, but did appear in January 1974 in an episode of the TV series
The World At War, "Whirlwind: Bombing Germany (September 1939 – April 1944)", commenting on the
disastrous mission of October 14, 1943, against
Schweinfurt, Germany. At his request, he was identified only as "James Stewart, Squadron Commander" in the documentary.
[55]
On July 23, 1959, Stewart was promoted to
brigadier general. During his active duty periods, he remained current as a pilot of
Convair B-36 Peacemaker,
Boeing B-47 Stratojet and
Boeing B-52 Stratofortress intercontinental bombers of the
Strategic Air Command.
[56]
On February 20, 1966, Brigadier General Stewart flew as a non-duty observer in a B-52 on an
Arc Light bombing mission during the
Vietnam War. He refused the release of any publicity regarding his participation, as he did not want it treated as a stunt, but as part of his job as an officer in the Air Force Reserve.
After 27 years of service, Stewart retired from the Air Force on May 31, 1968.
[57]
Stewart received a number of awards during his military service and upon his retirement was awarded the United States Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross
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