The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John Dwain Cummings (MCSN: 0-83974), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a Naval Flight Officer of jet aircraft while attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE (VMFA-333), embarked in U.S.S. America (CVA-66). On 11 September 1972, during a coordinated air wing strike in North Vietnam, Captain Cummings was flying in the lead aircraft of a Combat Air Patrol element. Aggressively pursuing an attack against a large enemy force, Captain Cummings skillfully employed his weapons system to destroy one of the enemy aircraft, damage another, and divert the remainder from the strike group. Although deep in enemy territory and under constant anti-aircraft and surface-to-air missile fire, Captain Cummings demonstrated exceptional heroism in resisting the enemy force until the strike group had safely egressed. Captain Cummings’ superb airmanship, courage and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major John Dwain Cummings (MCSN: 0-83974), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 122 (VMFA-122)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
February 24, 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John Dwain Cummings (MCSN: 0-83974), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Flight Officer with Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO (VMFA-122), Marine Aircraft Group Eleven, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 24 February 1968, Captain Cummings launched as Bombardier/Navigator aboard an F-4 Phantom aircraft diverted to a strike mission against fortified Viet Cong positions south of DaNang. Despite a low overcast, rain showers and limited visibility in the designated area, he skillfully provided his pilot with flight clearance information and utilized the aircraft’s radar to navigate through the clouds to the mouth of the Hoi An River. After rendezvousing with the Tactical Air Controller (Airborne) over the target and receiving a briefing, the pilot commenced a series of strikes against the fortified enemy positions and Captain Cummings displayed exceptional professional skill in assisting the pilot in executing the runs at minimum altitude due to the low cloud cover. Despite hazardous mountain terrain and enemy fire, all ordnance was delivered with pinpoint accuracy, accounting for ten enemy confirmed killed, sixteen fortifications destroyed and eight structures damaged. Captain Cummings’ superior airmanship, technical skill and steadfast devotion to duty under extremely adverse conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 (VMFA-251)Action Date:
July 28, 1976
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Major John Dwain Cummings (MCSN: 0-83974), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron TW HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE, located at Cherry Point, North Carolina, on 28 July 1976. While rehearsing for the Second Marine Aircraft Wing Change of Command, a light rain began falling. Seven men elected to take shelter under the wings of their F-4’s until the storm passed. Suddenly the shower turned into a severe thunderstorm and six of the men were knocked to the ground when a bolt of lightning struck near their parked aircraft. Major Cummings, although shaken, but conscious, discovered two injured men. With complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the continued personal danger involved, called for help and unhesitatingly administered medical aid to one of the men who was convulsing and gasping for breath. By his courageous and prompt actions in extreme weather conditions, Major Cummings undoubtedly saved his fellow Marine from serious injury or possible death; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major John Dwain Cummings (MCSN: 0-83974), United States Marine Corps, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.