Carl B. Cummins

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Private First Class Carl B. Cummins (ASN: 55249047), Artillery, United States Army, distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 6 October 1952 in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. On that date, Private CUMMINS was a member of a Forward Observer Party assigned to Company “N”, French Battalion, which was engaged in bitter combat with a determined hostile force for the possession of Hill 281. At approximately 2100 hours, the enemy unleashed a tremendous volume of artillery and mortar fire upon the friendly positions, destroying the Forward Observation Post. Realizing the importance of continued artillery support, Private CUMMINS, with complete disregard for personal safety, moved to an exposed position affording better observation but subjected to enemy observation and fire. From that hazardous point, he continued to adjust accurate and effective fire upon the attacking forces until mortally wounded by enemy mortar fragments. The outstanding courage and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Private CUMMINS were instrumental in the successful defense of the position and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.