THE WALL OF FACES

Roger Wayne Cummings
Date of birth: 20-Jan-48
Date of death: April 20, 1969
Home of record: Bloomington Indiana
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Roger Wayne Cummings (MCSN: 2470680), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Rifleman with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 April 1968. Private First Class Cummings' platoon was directed to assault heavily fortified North Vietnamese Army emplacements located in the mountainous Thoung Duc area of Quang Nam Province. As the platoon commenced the attack, the Marines came under vicious automatic weapons fire from concealed machine gun positions, pinning down the unit and inflicting several casualties. Realizing the need for immediate action to prevent further Marine injuries, Private First Class Cummings unhesitatingly left his relatively secure rear position and charged across the fire-swept terrain to assault the hostile bunker complex. With enemy rounds impacting about him, he raced from one emplacement to another, firing his rifle and throwing hand grenades in a splendid display of valor, which enabled his companions to resume the attack. Demoralized by the impetus of the attack, the North Vietnamese soldiers began a retreat from the area and, as they withdrew, one of the men hurled an explosive device at Private First Class Cummings, which injured him extensively and rendered him unable to walk. Although suffering great pain, he resolutely determined to prevent the escape of the hostile unit, and struggling desperately, he dragged himself on his elbows and hands to a vantage point from which he continued to fire upon the enemy soldiers until he succumbed to his wounds. His heroic efforts and selfless concern for his fellowmen were instrumental in his unit's securing the objective. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Cummings upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

Action Date: 20-Apr-69

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company K

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 7th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

Private First Class Roger Wayne Cummings, Served with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Dear PFC Roger Wayne Cummings, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

Genetically speaking Roger was my 1st cousin... in every other way he was my brother. To this day, there is not a day that I don't think of him.

We grew up together and when I was young I couldn't say "Roger"... it came out Raha. So, he was always Raha to me.

If you knew Roger I would love to correspond with you to here ANY memories you could share.

Please email me if you knew Roger. I would be eternally grateful to hear how you knew him and any memories of him.

Part of me died when roger died. I was with him when he crossed the veil.