THE WALL OF FACES

Ken , such fond memories of our time at the Prep and rallies in the Alley , Rest In Peace buddy , S/F , Vinny

The “Friends of Rocky Versace” remember one of Henry Spengler's USMA 1968 classmates - and a brother Airborne-Ranger - 1LT Kenneth Thomas Cummings, on what would’ve been his 72d birthday - 20 August 2018.

Dear Lt Kenneth Cummings,
Thank you for your service as a Ranger Qualified Infantry Unit Commander and for graduating from West Point. It is so important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

The “Friends of Rocky Versace” once again remember one of Henry Spengler's USMA 1968 classmates, 1LT Kenneth Thomas Cummings, on what would’ve been his 71st birthday - 20 August 2017.

On September 4, 1969, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H (tail number 68-15475) from the 177th Assault Helicopter Company crashed in Bien Hoa Province, RVN, after losing a blade from its tail rotor. Five crewmen and two passengers were killed in the incident. The lost crew included pilots CPT Michael R. Reitz and 1LT John E. Klingen, crew chief SP4 Richard A. Stanley, gunner SP4 Reginald P. Begnoche, and observer 1LT Layne H. Connevey. The two lost passengers were 1LT Kenneth T. Cummings and 1LT George L. Kleiber Jr. This aircraft was the Command & Control helicopter operating with three slicks (troop transport helicopters) and two helicopter gunships with the 151st LRRP teams. The aircraft had just completed its second mission for the day and refueled at Red Catcher pad after flying for approximately one hour. After taking off from the Red Catcher pad, the aircraft entered downwind for landing at the 151st LRRP pad (located 1 mile to the east of Red Catcher). While flying at approximately 200 to 300 feet of altitude, a tail rotor blade separated from the tail rotor hub. The pilot notified the control tower that he had just lost his tail rotor. The aircraft turned right, going into a yaw, and then spun around 3 to 4 revolutions. As the aircraft was spinning, the main rotor blades appeared to slow down and mast bumping was encountered. About the third 360 degree turn, the mast snapped and the main rotor blades fell backwards, severing the tail boom. The aircraft stopped spinning and fell straight to the ground in an upright position. Upon contact with the ground the aircraft burst into flames, completely destroying itself by fire and killing all aboard. [Taken from vhpa.org]