The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Charles H. Cummings (MCSN: 2359128), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Team Leader with Company C, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 September 1968, Private First Class Cummings was leading a six-man reconnaissance patrol near Cam Lo in Quang Tri Province when the Marines came under intense hostile automatic weapons fire. As the Marines returned fire on the enemy positions, a North Vietnamese soldier enveloped the team’s position and hurled a hand grenade into the area before he was detected and killed. Alertly observing the enemy grenade, Private First Class Cummings shouted a warning to his men, shoved a comrade to the ground and shielded him with his own body as the grenade detonated. Although painfully injured, Private First Class Cummings steadfastly directed the fire of his team while simultaneously delivering a heavy volume of rifle fire and throwing several grenades at the enemy soldiers. Subsequently wounded again, he realized he could not longer deliver effective fire and distributed his remaining ordnance among his team members. Despite his serious injuries, Private First Class Cummings continued to control his men until the Marines were extracted from the hazardous area. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, superb leadership and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger. Private First Class Cummings upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.