Edward Stewart was born in February 1917 in Holden, Alberta and lived in Camrose, Alberta where he was working as a miner when he enlisted in Edmonton in February 1941. He was awarded the DFM for service with 78 Squadron, Gazetted on 14th May 1943 after he had been posted to instruct. The citation reads.. "

"This airman has taken part in many operational sorties and at all times has shown determination of the highest order. He has recently been engaged in attacks against some of the most heavily defended targets in Germany and has secured some excellent photographs. Invariably, Flight Sergeant Stewart's fine qualities have been a source of inspiration to his crew."

He was commissioned in February 1943 and later was awarded the DFC for completing a Tour with 427 Squadron, Gazetted on 17th July 1945 but not presented to his familyt until November 1949. Hugh Halliday's research into RCAF awards has located the recommendation for his DFC dates 19th March 1945 when he had flown a total of forty operational flights but spilt between 1658 HCU (three Ops on 10th September 1942, 23rd & 24th October 1942), 78 Squadron (25 Ops between 8th November 1942 to 19th February 1943) and 427 Squadron (16 Ops between 17th December 1944 to 14th March 1945). The recommendation reads..

"Flight Lieutenant Stewart has successfully completed a large number of sorties against such heavily defended enemy targets as Dusseldorf, Hanover, Ludwigshaven and Berlin. His work as deputy flight commander both in the air and on the ground has been of the highest order and his courage in the face of the fiercest opposition has been an inspiring example not only to his own crew but to all who have served with him."

He returned home to Canada after the War but was killed in a Dakota crash at Estevan, Saskatchewan on 15th September 1946. He is buried in Holden Cemetery, Alberta.

He was also awarded two French medals; the Legion of Honour on 12th March 1948 and the Croix de Guerre on 19th October 1945. The recommendation for the latter refers to a specfic incident which his crew were involved. It reads.. "This officer was captain of an aircraft detailed to attack enemy troop concentrations in the Caen area on the morning of 17th July 1944. Just after their bombs were released, their aircraft collided with another bomber causing extensive damage to their own aircraft and making it extremely difficult to control. A few minutes later, while still over the target area, Flight Lieutenant Heron was engaged by very accurate heavy flak and suffered further damage to the fuselage and mid-upper turret. Realizing the consequences of abandoning the aircraft in that area and subsequent danger of crashing among our own troops, this officer displayed outstanding coolness and fortitude in struggling back to England with his damaged aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Heron has taken part in many raids on military targets in occupied France, and his care and precision in bombing, together with his inspiring gallantry, have greatly contributed to the liberation of our French allies."