Military career Allegiance  United States of America Service/branch United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force Reserve Years of service 1941-1968 Rank Brigadier General Unit 445th Bombardment Group 453rd Bombardment Group Eighth Air Force Strategic Air Command Commands held 703rd Bombardment Squadron Dobbins Air Force Base Battles/wars World War II Vietnam War Awards Distinguished Service Medal Distinguished Flying Cross (2) Air Medal (4) Army Commendation Medal Armed Forces Reserve Medal Presidential Medal of Freedom French Croix de Guerre with Palm James Maitland "Jimmy" Stewart (May 20, 1908 – July 2, 1997) was an American film and stage actor, known for his distinctive voice and his everyman persona. Over the course of his career, he starred in many films widely considered classics and was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one in competition and receiving one Lifetime Achievement award. He was a major MGM contract star. He also had a noted military career and was a World War II and Vietnam War veteran, who rose to the rank of Brigadier General in the United States Air Force Reserve..