The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class Roger Wayne Cummings (MCSN: 2470680), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Rifleman with Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 April 1968. Private First Class Cummings’ platoon was directed to assault heavily fortified North Vietnamese Army emplacements located in the mountainous Thoung Duc area of Quang Nam Province. As the platoon commenced the attack, the Marines came under vicious automatic weapons fire from concealed machine gun positions, pinning down the unit and inflicting several casualties. Realizing the need for immediate action to prevent further Marine injuries, Private First Class Cummings unhesitatingly left his relatively secure rear position and charged across the fire-swept terrain to assault the hostile bunker complex. With enemy rounds impacting about him, he raced from one emplacement to another, firing his rifle and throwing hand grenades in a splendid display of valor, which enabled his companions to resume the attack. Demoralized by the impetus of the attack, the North Vietnamese soldiers began a retreat from the area and, as they withdrew, one of the men hurled an explosive device at Private First Class Cummings, which injured him extensively and rendered him unable to walk. Although suffering great pain, he resolutely determined to prevent the escape of the hostile unit, and struggling desperately, he dragged himself on his elbows and hands to a vantage point from which he continued to fire upon the enemy soldiers until he succumbed to his wounds. His heroic efforts and selfless concern for his fellowmen were instrumental in his unit’s securing the objective. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Private First Class Cummings upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.