James N. Stewart

James N. Stewart is a retired American military officer and civil servant. Confirmed as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in Donald Trump's first presidency, he served throughout his tenure from 2018 as acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs before resigning in 2019.

Early life and education Stewart was born the son of a retired air force lieutenant colonel and Vietnam War veteran, and, from a young age, he desired to follow in his father's footsteps. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology and criminology from Auburn University, where he was also a member of the school's Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.

His decorations include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Airman's Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal.

Civilian career Following his retirement from the air force reserve, Stewart moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. He was appointed to the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission by Governor Pat McCrory in 2015.

President Donald Trump chose Stewart to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in January 2018, confirmed by the Senate on October 11. After serving in this position and as acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness until December 2019, he submitted his resignation to Secretary Mark Esper.

Dates of rank

Decorations

Air Force Distinguished Service MedalLegion of Merit with one oak leaf clusterAirman's MedalMeritorious Service Medal with seven oak leaf clustersAerial Achievement Medal with one oak leaf clusterAir Force Commendation MedalAir Force Achievement Medal with one oak leaf clusterAir Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clustersAir Force Organizational Excellence AwardCombat Readiness Medal with two oak leaf clustersNational Defense Service Medal with one service starArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalSouthwest Asia Service Medal with three service starsGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalAir Force Longevity Service Award with seven oak leaf clustersArmed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze hourglass deviceSmall Arms Expert Marksmanship RibbonAir Force Training RibbonKuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)