By Jennifer Wilder | Director of Development and Communications
One year after his introduction to the public, golden retriever “Jimmy” paid a visit to the Jimmy Stewart Museum on Monday. A Service Dog in Training with Warrior Canine Connection, Jimmy will undergo one more year of training in Pittsburgh before being assigned to a veteran in the western Pennsylvania area to help with community reintegration. Check out the story in the Indiana Gazette from the link below.
Like all of WCC's pups, WCC's Jimmy was named in honor of a Veteran of the United States Military. In Jimmy's case, that Veteran is Air Force Brigadier General James Maitland "Jimmy" Stewart. Stewart, born in 1908 in Indiana, Pennsylvania, was raised with a deep family history of military service. He completed his education in Architecture at Princeton University, but with the Great Depression leading to job shortages, he entered an acting career and was ultimately signed by MGM. However, he was called to action in 1941 at the height of World War II and used his experience as a civilian pilot to enlist in the Army Air Corps.
Worried his status might influence his stationing, Stewart campaigned to serve on the frontlines and was sent to England in 1943 as a member of the 445th Bombardment Group to fly B-24 Liberators. By 1945, after flying in 20 combat missions over Europe, he was promoted to Colonel and had earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the French Croix de Guerre. He returned home to the United States in late 1945 and eventually transitioned to the United States Air Force Reserves.
Stewart continued his service as a reservist and was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 1959. He went on to fly in the Vietnam War as part of an Arc Light bombing mission. He served proudly for 27 years until he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60. General Stewart was also awarded the United States Air Force Distinguished Service Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom for his bravery and service.
James Maitland Stewart (Jimmy) died on July 2, 1997. He is remembered as a talented actor, brave military hero, loving husband, good father, and a giant among men. He leaves a legacy of honesty, hard work, and strong values. He was a good man, a loyal citizen, and had a wonderful life. He indeed earned his wings!
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By Beth Bourgeois | Media and Public Relations Office
By Jamie Williams | Community Outreach and Education Director
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