Like Anthony Wayne and Francois Louis Teissedre de Fleury, John Stewart’s actions at the 1779 Assault on Stony Point are commemorated on a Congressional medal. Stewart commanded the left advancing party whose path included extremely difficult terrain and a near vertical ascent toward the British fort. While Stewart was already well known in the Continental Army for his heroic actions under the command of General Sullivan and at the Assault on Staten Island, his courage in battle and ability to faithfully execute orders led to his Congressional recognition.
Nicholas-Marie Gatteaux engraved this medal which features a scene of Stewart receiving a palm branch from a female allegorical figure representing America. On the reverse he is shown with his sword raised toward the surrendering British army.