The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Edward F. Cummings (MCSN: 371857), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on enemy held Peleliu, Palau Islands on 12 October 1944. Exposing himself to heavy hostile rifle fire to attack an enemy position in a cave which was holding up the advance of his unit, Corporal Cummings advanced alone on the cave in which was holding up the advance of his unit, Corporal Cummings advanced alone on the cave in which there were four of the enemy and although wounded by a hostile grenade, refused to be evacuated and killed the enemy by hurling hand grenades into the entrance of the cave. Calling for a flame thrower, he remained at the mouth of the cave to cover the flame thrower operator and, only after all occupants of the cave were definitely killed, did he permit himself to be evacuated. His outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.