Joseph Cummins graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1934. He was killed in action while serving as a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel during World War II.
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Joseph Cummins graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1934. He was killed in action while serving as a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel during World War II.
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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Joseph Michael Cummins, Jr. (ASN: 0-19486), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Battalion, 414th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Holland, on 25 and 26 October 1944. Advancing with the leading elements of his battalion in their initial combat engagement, Colonel Cummins, courageously and at great risk of his life, crawled forward to within forty yards of enemy positions to issue orders to his subordinate leaders when his battalion encountered withering fire from a well-entrenched enemy. Only after personally contacting each of his company commanders did Colonel Cummins return to the comparative safety of his command post. The intrepid courage and superb leadership displayed by Colonel Cummins saved the lives of many of his men and set an example worthy of emulation by all. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Lieutenant Colonel Cummins, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.