The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Julian William Cummings, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 10th Field Artillery Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces near Gela, Sicily, on 10 July 1943. During the assault phase of the landing, Lieutenant Cummings, Battalion Artillery Air Officer, took off in a piper cub plane in advance of the required time, and under incessant fire, from an improvised runway on the deck of an LST, to spot and report positions of enemy artillery then laying highly effective fire on beaches being used to land elements of the Armed forces for 2 1/2 hour with utter disregard for personal safety. In addition he located and reported the progress of our front line to the Force Commander. Lieutenant Cummings landed on a coastal roadway near our Armed Forces, refueled from vehicles, and again took to the air to continue his mission. Lieutenant Cumming’s initiative, resourcefulness and extraordinary bravery under fire to accomplish an urgent mission contributed materially to the success of the operation. The distinguished service rendered by Lieutenant Cumming exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.