1Lt Kenneth Cummings graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1968. He was killed in an air crash in Vietnam in 1969. His name is located on the Wall at Panel 18W, Line 031.
------------------------------------------
For those of us who knew the "smiling Redhead," he was an inspiration and a leader in every aspect of life. Ken Cummings was killed in a helicopter explosion in Vietnam, but his effervescent personality and positive attitude towards life will remain in our hearts forever.
Ken was born on 20 August 1946 in Brooklyn, New York. He attended St. Francis Preparatory School in Brooklyn, and it was here that his first traits of leadership started to emerge. He was a member of the Optimate Society (Honor Society); held class office in his Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years; President of the Mathematics Club; Sports reporter for the school paper and a member of water polo team as well as captain of the swimming team, and always happy when participating in any or all intramural sports such as basketball or baseball. However, his first and most possessing activity was swimming in which he strove with unresting determination. He led the St. Francis swim team to fine records during his junior and senior years.
Ken entered West Point on 1 July 1964 and adapted well to the strains and pressures of Cadet life. From that day until his untimely death in Vietnam, he never ceased to be a leader among leaders. He was the one who was cheerful when the rest of us were depressed and disheartened. He had the spirit and desire to try again when everyone else wanted to give up. He had the compassion and understanding of others' problems when all were ready to condemn. There was no man in the Class of '68 who had as high esteem in the eyes of his classmates as Ken.
While at the Academy, Ken continued his participation in swimming, and during his senior year he was bestowed the honor of captain of the swimming team. Ken never was the number one man in his event, in fact, he usually finished second or third. It was not through his ability that he led the team, but rather his positive attitude and sincere desire to win were the leadership qualities that made him fit the job. And with these qualities, he led a novice team to a fine record.
In academics, he was the snappy little redhead who never came near honors but never stopped trying to improve himself or to help others. He was always ready to lend a helping hand without regard for personal gain or glory. Although he missed academic honors by a few, his character and ability to lead was demonstrated more adequately in his persevering and winning manner with which he captained the swimming team. His loyalty, drive, and friendliness will always be remembered by us.
After graduation, Ken attended Officer Basic, Airborne, and Ranger Schools at Ft. Benning, followed by an interim assignment with the 5th Mechanized Division at Ft. Carson, Colorado. It was during his assignment at Carson, that Ken met his bride-to-be, Evelyn ("Franky") Bradshaw. Ken and Evelyn were married on 12 June 1969 at the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel.
Because Ken felt he was needed in Vietnam, he had volunteered to go upon graduation from the Academy. Therefore, he had only a short, few happy days with his bride before he joined the U. S. forces in Southeast Asia.
Within the first few weeks of duty with 2/27th of the 25th Infantry Division, Ken's outstanding leadership qualities were demonstrated in combat. He was awarded the Silver Star for actions taken on 12 August 1969. The citation reads in part: "While directing his platoon's advance, Lieutenant Cummings repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fusillade to point out targets and place accurate fire on the hostile troops. Under the cover of his element's counterattack, the friendly casualties were safely evacuated. At one point during the fighting, he spotted a wounded comrade, moved to his aid and carried him two hundred meters through enemy fire to safety and medical assistance. After returning to the center of the contact area, Lieutenant Cummings began directing supporting fire upon the hostile positions. As the friendly force began its final assault, it came under intense machine gun fire from an enemy emplacement in front of his platoon. Disregarding his own safety, he rushed forward through the hostile fire and silenced the position with several hand grenades and a burst from his rifle."
After a few months duty with the 2/27th Infantry, Ken transferred to the 151st Ranger Company. Soon after joining the Rangers, Ken was killed in a helicopter explosion while returning from a mission on 4 September 1969. He was buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado, on 15 September 1969. Ken is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Cummings of Cambria Heights, New York, and his sister Beth. But most of all his beloved wife Franky and their baby Kimberly Ann whom Ken never saw. but truly loved.
Ken's awards include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge. National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and Expert Badge with Rifle and Automatic Rifle Bars.
We are born not for ourselves but to help others. And by this motto Ken died, giving up his life for the cause of freedom in Southeast Asia. Flashing red hair, a smiling face, bubbling enthusiasm and unarresting determination were the characteristics with which Ken faced life. This part of Ken will remain forever with us and will stand out as a guiding light for all.
Source: West Point Association of Graduates Spring 1970 Assembly
---------------------------------------------
Silver Star Citation
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Kenneth Thomas Cummings, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 12 August 1969 while serving as a platoon leader with Company D (Ranger), 2d Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date shortly after being airlifted into an open rice paddy area, two companies of the battalion encountered a large enemy force situated in well-concealed fighting positions in a nearby hedgerow. In the initial contact the two companies became pinned down by intense hostile fire and sustained several casualties. While directing his platoon's advance, Lieutenant Cummings repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fusillade to point out targets and place accurate fire on the hostile troops. Under the cover of his element's counterattack, he friendly casualties were safely evacuated. At one point during the fighting, he spotted a wounded comrade, moved to his aid and carried him two hundred meters through enemy fire to safety and medical assistance. After returning to the center of the contact area, Lieutenant Cummings began directing supporting fire upon the hostile positions. As the friendly force began its final assault, it came under intense machine gun fire from an enemy emplacement in front of his platoon. Disregarding his own safety, he rushed forward through the hostile fire and silenced the position with several hand grenades and a burst from his rifle. First Lieutenant Cummings' outstanding courage, aggressiveness and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 2378 (September 17, 1969)
Action Date: Vietnam War
Service: Army
Rank: First Lieutenant
Company: Company D (Ranger)
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Regiment: 151st Infantry Regiment
Division: 25th Infantry Division
------------------------------------------
For those of us who knew the "smiling Redhead," he was an inspiration and a leader in every aspect of life. Ken Cummings was killed in a helicopter explosion in Vietnam, but his effervescent personality and positive attitude towards life will remain in our hearts forever.
Ken was born on 20 August 1946 in Brooklyn, New York. He attended St. Francis Preparatory School in Brooklyn, and it was here that his first traits of leadership started to emerge. He was a member of the Optimate Society (Honor Society); held class office in his Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years; President of the Mathematics Club; Sports reporter for the school paper and a member of water polo team as well as captain of the swimming team, and always happy when participating in any or all intramural sports such as basketball or baseball. However, his first and most possessing activity was swimming in which he strove with unresting determination. He led the St. Francis swim team to fine records during his junior and senior years.
Ken entered West Point on 1 July 1964 and adapted well to the strains and pressures of Cadet life. From that day until his untimely death in Vietnam, he never ceased to be a leader among leaders. He was the one who was cheerful when the rest of us were depressed and disheartened. He had the spirit and desire to try again when everyone else wanted to give up. He had the compassion and understanding of others' problems when all were ready to condemn. There was no man in the Class of '68 who had as high esteem in the eyes of his classmates as Ken.
While at the Academy, Ken continued his participation in swimming, and during his senior year he was bestowed the honor of captain of the swimming team. Ken never was the number one man in his event, in fact, he usually finished second or third. It was not through his ability that he led the team, but rather his positive attitude and sincere desire to win were the leadership qualities that made him fit the job. And with these qualities, he led a novice team to a fine record.
In academics, he was the snappy little redhead who never came near honors but never stopped trying to improve himself or to help others. He was always ready to lend a helping hand without regard for personal gain or glory. Although he missed academic honors by a few, his character and ability to lead was demonstrated more adequately in his persevering and winning manner with which he captained the swimming team. His loyalty, drive, and friendliness will always be remembered by us.
After graduation, Ken attended Officer Basic, Airborne, and Ranger Schools at Ft. Benning, followed by an interim assignment with the 5th Mechanized Division at Ft. Carson, Colorado. It was during his assignment at Carson, that Ken met his bride-to-be, Evelyn ("Franky") Bradshaw. Ken and Evelyn were married on 12 June 1969 at the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel.
Because Ken felt he was needed in Vietnam, he had volunteered to go upon graduation from the Academy. Therefore, he had only a short, few happy days with his bride before he joined the U. S. forces in Southeast Asia.
Within the first few weeks of duty with 2/27th of the 25th Infantry Division, Ken's outstanding leadership qualities were demonstrated in combat. He was awarded the Silver Star for actions taken on 12 August 1969. The citation reads in part: "While directing his platoon's advance, Lieutenant Cummings repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fusillade to point out targets and place accurate fire on the hostile troops. Under the cover of his element's counterattack, the friendly casualties were safely evacuated. At one point during the fighting, he spotted a wounded comrade, moved to his aid and carried him two hundred meters through enemy fire to safety and medical assistance. After returning to the center of the contact area, Lieutenant Cummings began directing supporting fire upon the hostile positions. As the friendly force began its final assault, it came under intense machine gun fire from an enemy emplacement in front of his platoon. Disregarding his own safety, he rushed forward through the hostile fire and silenced the position with several hand grenades and a burst from his rifle."
After a few months duty with the 2/27th Infantry, Ken transferred to the 151st Ranger Company. Soon after joining the Rangers, Ken was killed in a helicopter explosion while returning from a mission on 4 September 1969. He was buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado, on 15 September 1969. Ken is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Cummings of Cambria Heights, New York, and his sister Beth. But most of all his beloved wife Franky and their baby Kimberly Ann whom Ken never saw. but truly loved.
Ken's awards include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge. National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and Expert Badge with Rifle and Automatic Rifle Bars.
We are born not for ourselves but to help others. And by this motto Ken died, giving up his life for the cause of freedom in Southeast Asia. Flashing red hair, a smiling face, bubbling enthusiasm and unarresting determination were the characteristics with which Ken faced life. This part of Ken will remain forever with us and will stand out as a guiding light for all.
Source: West Point Association of Graduates Spring 1970 Assembly
---------------------------------------------
Silver Star Citation
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Kenneth Thomas Cummings, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 12 August 1969 while serving as a platoon leader with Company D (Ranger), 2d Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date shortly after being airlifted into an open rice paddy area, two companies of the battalion encountered a large enemy force situated in well-concealed fighting positions in a nearby hedgerow. In the initial contact the two companies became pinned down by intense hostile fire and sustained several casualties. While directing his platoon's advance, Lieutenant Cummings repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fusillade to point out targets and place accurate fire on the hostile troops. Under the cover of his element's counterattack, he friendly casualties were safely evacuated. At one point during the fighting, he spotted a wounded comrade, moved to his aid and carried him two hundred meters through enemy fire to safety and medical assistance. After returning to the center of the contact area, Lieutenant Cummings began directing supporting fire upon the hostile positions. As the friendly force began its final assault, it came under intense machine gun fire from an enemy emplacement in front of his platoon. Disregarding his own safety, he rushed forward through the hostile fire and silenced the position with several hand grenades and a burst from his rifle. First Lieutenant Cummings' outstanding courage, aggressiveness and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 2378 (September 17, 1969)
Action Date: Vietnam War
Service: Army
Rank: First Lieutenant
Company: Company D (Ranger)
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Regiment: 151st Infantry Regiment
Division: 25th Infantry Division
1Lt Kenneth Cummings graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1968. He was killed in an air crash in Vietnam in 1969. His name is located on the Wall at Panel 18W, Line 031.
------------------------------------------
For those of us who knew the "smiling Redhead," he was an inspiration and a leader in every aspect of life. Ken Cummings was killed in a helicopter explosion in Vietnam, but his effervescent personality and positive attitude towards life will remain in our hearts forever.
Ken was born on 20 August 1946 in Brooklyn, New York. He attended St. Francis Preparatory School in Brooklyn, and it was here that his first traits of leadership started to emerge. He was a member of the Optimate Society (Honor Society); held class office in his Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years; President of the Mathematics Club; Sports reporter for the school paper and a member of water polo team as well as captain of the swimming team, and always happy when participating in any or all intramural sports such as basketball or baseball. However, his first and most possessing activity was swimming in which he strove with unresting determination. He led the St. Francis swim team to fine records during his junior and senior years.
Ken entered West Point on 1 July 1964 and adapted well to the strains and pressures of Cadet life. From that day until his untimely death in Vietnam, he never ceased to be a leader among leaders. He was the one who was cheerful when the rest of us were depressed and disheartened. He had the spirit and desire to try again when everyone else wanted to give up. He had the compassion and understanding of others' problems when all were ready to condemn. There was no man in the Class of '68 who had as high esteem in the eyes of his classmates as Ken.
While at the Academy, Ken continued his participation in swimming, and during his senior year he was bestowed the honor of captain of the swimming team. Ken never was the number one man in his event, in fact, he usually finished second or third. It was not through his ability that he led the team, but rather his positive attitude and sincere desire to win were the leadership qualities that made him fit the job. And with these qualities, he led a novice team to a fine record.
In academics, he was the snappy little redhead who never came near honors but never stopped trying to improve himself or to help others. He was always ready to lend a helping hand without regard for personal gain or glory. Although he missed academic honors by a few, his character and ability to lead was demonstrated more adequately in his persevering and winning manner with which he captained the swimming team. His loyalty, drive, and friendliness will always be remembered by us.
After graduation, Ken attended Officer Basic, Airborne, and Ranger Schools at Ft. Benning, followed by an interim assignment with the 5th Mechanized Division at Ft. Carson, Colorado. It was during his assignment at Carson, that Ken met his bride-to-be, Evelyn ("Franky") Bradshaw. Ken and Evelyn were married on 12 June 1969 at the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel.
Because Ken felt he was needed in Vietnam, he had volunteered to go upon graduation from the Academy. Therefore, he had only a short, few happy days with his bride before he joined the U. S. forces in Southeast Asia.
Within the first few weeks of duty with 2/27th of the 25th Infantry Division, Ken's outstanding leadership qualities were demonstrated in combat. He was awarded the Silver Star for actions taken on 12 August 1969. The citation reads in part: "While directing his platoon's advance, Lieutenant Cummings repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fusillade to point out targets and place accurate fire on the hostile troops. Under the cover of his element's counterattack, the friendly casualties were safely evacuated. At one point during the fighting, he spotted a wounded comrade, moved to his aid and carried him two hundred meters through enemy fire to safety and medical assistance. After returning to the center of the contact area, Lieutenant Cummings began directing supporting fire upon the hostile positions. As the friendly force began its final assault, it came under intense machine gun fire from an enemy emplacement in front of his platoon. Disregarding his own safety, he rushed forward through the hostile fire and silenced the position with several hand grenades and a burst from his rifle."
After a few months duty with the 2/27th Infantry, Ken transferred to the 151st Ranger Company. Soon after joining the Rangers, Ken was killed in a helicopter explosion while returning from a mission on 4 September 1969. He was buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado, on 15 September 1969. Ken is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Cummings of Cambria Heights, New York, and his sister Beth. But most of all his beloved wife Franky and their baby Kimberly Ann whom Ken never saw. but truly loved.
Ken's awards include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge. National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and Expert Badge with Rifle and Automatic Rifle Bars.
We are born not for ourselves but to help others. And by this motto Ken died, giving up his life for the cause of freedom in Southeast Asia. Flashing red hair, a smiling face, bubbling enthusiasm and unarresting determination were the characteristics with which Ken faced life. This part of Ken will remain forever with us and will stand out as a guiding light for all.
Source: West Point Association of Graduates Spring 1970 Assembly
---------------------------------------------
Silver Star Citation
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Kenneth Thomas Cummings, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 12 August 1969 while serving as a platoon leader with Company D (Ranger), 2d Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date shortly after being airlifted into an open rice paddy area, two companies of the battalion encountered a large enemy force situated in well-concealed fighting positions in a nearby hedgerow. In the initial contact the two companies became pinned down by intense hostile fire and sustained several casualties. While directing his platoon's advance, Lieutenant Cummings repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fusillade to point out targets and place accurate fire on the hostile troops. Under the cover of his element's counterattack, he friendly casualties were safely evacuated. At one point during the fighting, he spotted a wounded comrade, moved to his aid and carried him two hundred meters through enemy fire to safety and medical assistance. After returning to the center of the contact area, Lieutenant Cummings began directing supporting fire upon the hostile positions. As the friendly force began its final assault, it came under intense machine gun fire from an enemy emplacement in front of his platoon. Disregarding his own safety, he rushed forward through the hostile fire and silenced the position with several hand grenades and a burst from his rifle. First Lieutenant Cummings' outstanding courage, aggressiveness and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 2378 (September 17, 1969)
Action Date: Vietnam War
Service: Army
Rank: First Lieutenant
Company: Company D (Ranger)
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Regiment: 151st Infantry Regiment
Division: 25th Infantry Division
------------------------------------------
For those of us who knew the "smiling Redhead," he was an inspiration and a leader in every aspect of life. Ken Cummings was killed in a helicopter explosion in Vietnam, but his effervescent personality and positive attitude towards life will remain in our hearts forever.
Ken was born on 20 August 1946 in Brooklyn, New York. He attended St. Francis Preparatory School in Brooklyn, and it was here that his first traits of leadership started to emerge. He was a member of the Optimate Society (Honor Society); held class office in his Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years; President of the Mathematics Club; Sports reporter for the school paper and a member of water polo team as well as captain of the swimming team, and always happy when participating in any or all intramural sports such as basketball or baseball. However, his first and most possessing activity was swimming in which he strove with unresting determination. He led the St. Francis swim team to fine records during his junior and senior years.
Ken entered West Point on 1 July 1964 and adapted well to the strains and pressures of Cadet life. From that day until his untimely death in Vietnam, he never ceased to be a leader among leaders. He was the one who was cheerful when the rest of us were depressed and disheartened. He had the spirit and desire to try again when everyone else wanted to give up. He had the compassion and understanding of others' problems when all were ready to condemn. There was no man in the Class of '68 who had as high esteem in the eyes of his classmates as Ken.
While at the Academy, Ken continued his participation in swimming, and during his senior year he was bestowed the honor of captain of the swimming team. Ken never was the number one man in his event, in fact, he usually finished second or third. It was not through his ability that he led the team, but rather his positive attitude and sincere desire to win were the leadership qualities that made him fit the job. And with these qualities, he led a novice team to a fine record.
In academics, he was the snappy little redhead who never came near honors but never stopped trying to improve himself or to help others. He was always ready to lend a helping hand without regard for personal gain or glory. Although he missed academic honors by a few, his character and ability to lead was demonstrated more adequately in his persevering and winning manner with which he captained the swimming team. His loyalty, drive, and friendliness will always be remembered by us.
After graduation, Ken attended Officer Basic, Airborne, and Ranger Schools at Ft. Benning, followed by an interim assignment with the 5th Mechanized Division at Ft. Carson, Colorado. It was during his assignment at Carson, that Ken met his bride-to-be, Evelyn ("Franky") Bradshaw. Ken and Evelyn were married on 12 June 1969 at the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel.
Because Ken felt he was needed in Vietnam, he had volunteered to go upon graduation from the Academy. Therefore, he had only a short, few happy days with his bride before he joined the U. S. forces in Southeast Asia.
Within the first few weeks of duty with 2/27th of the 25th Infantry Division, Ken's outstanding leadership qualities were demonstrated in combat. He was awarded the Silver Star for actions taken on 12 August 1969. The citation reads in part: "While directing his platoon's advance, Lieutenant Cummings repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fusillade to point out targets and place accurate fire on the hostile troops. Under the cover of his element's counterattack, the friendly casualties were safely evacuated. At one point during the fighting, he spotted a wounded comrade, moved to his aid and carried him two hundred meters through enemy fire to safety and medical assistance. After returning to the center of the contact area, Lieutenant Cummings began directing supporting fire upon the hostile positions. As the friendly force began its final assault, it came under intense machine gun fire from an enemy emplacement in front of his platoon. Disregarding his own safety, he rushed forward through the hostile fire and silenced the position with several hand grenades and a burst from his rifle."
After a few months duty with the 2/27th Infantry, Ken transferred to the 151st Ranger Company. Soon after joining the Rangers, Ken was killed in a helicopter explosion while returning from a mission on 4 September 1969. He was buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado, on 15 September 1969. Ken is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Cummings of Cambria Heights, New York, and his sister Beth. But most of all his beloved wife Franky and their baby Kimberly Ann whom Ken never saw. but truly loved.
Ken's awards include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge. National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and Expert Badge with Rifle and Automatic Rifle Bars.
We are born not for ourselves but to help others. And by this motto Ken died, giving up his life for the cause of freedom in Southeast Asia. Flashing red hair, a smiling face, bubbling enthusiasm and unarresting determination were the characteristics with which Ken faced life. This part of Ken will remain forever with us and will stand out as a guiding light for all.
Source: West Point Association of Graduates Spring 1970 Assembly
---------------------------------------------
Silver Star Citation
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Kenneth Thomas Cummings, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 12 August 1969 while serving as a platoon leader with Company D (Ranger), 2d Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date shortly after being airlifted into an open rice paddy area, two companies of the battalion encountered a large enemy force situated in well-concealed fighting positions in a nearby hedgerow. In the initial contact the two companies became pinned down by intense hostile fire and sustained several casualties. While directing his platoon's advance, Lieutenant Cummings repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fusillade to point out targets and place accurate fire on the hostile troops. Under the cover of his element's counterattack, he friendly casualties were safely evacuated. At one point during the fighting, he spotted a wounded comrade, moved to his aid and carried him two hundred meters through enemy fire to safety and medical assistance. After returning to the center of the contact area, Lieutenant Cummings began directing supporting fire upon the hostile positions. As the friendly force began its final assault, it came under intense machine gun fire from an enemy emplacement in front of his platoon. Disregarding his own safety, he rushed forward through the hostile fire and silenced the position with several hand grenades and a burst from his rifle. First Lieutenant Cummings' outstanding courage, aggressiveness and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 2378 (September 17, 1969)
Action Date: Vietnam War
Service: Army
Rank: First Lieutenant
Company: Company D (Ranger)
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Regiment: 151st Infantry Regiment
Division: 25th Infantry Division
Inscription
Kenneth
Thomas
Cummings
New York
1st LT CO D
II FLD Forces
Vietnam
August 20 1946
September 4 1969
SS - BSM
