Stu Vallières

Stuart (Stu) Vallières, of Montreal, Quebec, was born on November 11, 1922. He enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942 and served as a Gunner in Bomber Command.

He was injured in June 1944 when his plane was shot down by night fighters over Reims, France. He was unconscious as he fell from the aircraft, but he regained consciousness on the way down and immediately pulled his parachute’s rip cord, landing in a grain field. Mr. Vallières’ leg was wounded and had to be amputated at a German military hospital, where he was held as a prisoner of war until being liberated by the American military in August 1944.

He joined The War Amps Montreal Branch upon his return to Canada and served with distinction, holding the positions of:

• Chairman of the Board, War Amps National Board of Directors
• President, War Amps National Board of Directors
• National Director, Montreal Branch
• Managing Director, Key Tag Service (1980-1982)
• Member, Civilian Liaison Program

Mr. Vallières visited wounded veterans in the Queen Mary Veterans Hospital and was known for being active in the Civilian Liaison Program, sharing his experiences with new amputees. He devoted much time and energy to the Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, becoming an inspiration and role model to the children and their families he met at CHAMP seminars and through the PLAYSAFE Program.

He told his story in the video entitled War Amputees Gather to Reflect on The War Amps Legacy. For his service, Mr. Vallières was awarded the Distinguished Service Membership, Meritorious Service Membership and Honorary CHAMP Membership by The War Amps.

In 2018, Mr. Vallières attended a special event in Montreal to unveil the Canada Post commemorative envelope celebrating the Association's 100^th anniversary. He passed away on September 20, 2021.
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