THE WALL OF FACES

Saw your plane on the runway that day
You were going to give me a ride some day, obviously it never happened
The Traveling Wall was in Waltham, Ma recently
A kind volunteer gave me a rose to place in front of your panel
In June I attended a reunion of the 121st Aviation Co which was at Soc Trang
I knew you from selling you money orders at the Post Office where I worked

I am Jim's sister and just discovered this wonderful site. It was so comforting to read the posts people have left for Jim. One post left on 2/24/12 was particularly touching because it so accurately reflected how Jim looked at life. He was a deep-thinker and philosophical but also loved making people laugh and find enjoyment every day. As a brother, Jim was the best role model & protector. He was always joyful with a ready smile. As a soldier, it was a blessing to see him develop leadership skills and become a man who took his mission seriously. Jim lived a good, honest, and moral life and he brought joy and laughter to his family and friends. I am so proud and thankful to have had him in my life. I miss him daily but know he is not far from me. May God continue to bless us all until we meet again.

Dear Captain James Albert Kummings, 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.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

CPT Kummings served with the 221st Aviation Company, 307th Aviation Battalion. He was the pilot of a single engine 0-1 Bird Dog on a visual reconnaissance mission with an ARVN observer, when he was fatally wounded by a sniper. The observer managed to get the aircraft back to Soc Trang Army Airfield but crashed attempting to land. The aircraft was destroyed.