The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Leonard Otto Cummings, Jr. (MCSN: 0-16796), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against forces of the Japanese Army while serving with the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division. On 12 January 1944, during an attack on Hill 660, Cape Gloucester, New Britain, an exceptionally steep and well defended hill, in dense jungle undergrowth, over difficult and unfamiliar terrain against a determined and well entrenched enemy firing from a concealed position, Lieutenant Cummings, while constantly exposed to heavy enemy fire did bring up attached machine guns and annihilate an enemy group which seriously threatened the advance of the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines. His prompt and courageous action and outstanding leadership under fire distinguished him in the line of his profession and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.