Though BARNARD CUMMINGS was reported "Missing in Action" during the hostilities in Korea, somehow all who knew him well had confidence that he would return. At the end of the fighting, however, Barney was not among the repatriated prisoners of war and was declared legally dead by the Defense Department. Still, among his friends and loved ones, hope persists that Barney, always known for accomplishing the virtually impossible, may someday return with his hearty laugh and great zest for living.

Life at West Point did not come easy for Barney, but he was always able to give a psychological lift to any of his friends who might have needed it. Two of the outstanding features that marked Barney's personality were his tremendous love, regard and respect for his father, the late Colonel Barnard Cummings, Sr., and his outstanding sense of humor and quick wit which could provoke a laugh on the most solemn occasion. His West Point ring and diploma were certainly Barney's most prized possessions, and I felt that somehow they meant even more to him than they did to the rest of us.

Barney took life's problems in stride and was seldom plagued by worry. Although anchor man in our graduating class, he was never turned out in a subject, his philosophy being, "a tenth pro is a tenth wasted." There is no question that had the standards been higher, Barney could have and would have extended himself sufficiently to meet the requirements. He did go "all out" for fencing, and was the NCAA champion in his field, the foils, a feat which has been memorialized in a trophy donated by his mother to the Western Conference of Colleges.

Barney considered only the Infantry as his Army branch choice and he wore the crossed rifles on his uniform with all the distinction of a badge of honor. I saw Barney in Denver just after he had earned his Paratrooper Jump Wings. This added mark of accomplishment pleased him tremendously, to the extent that he wore his shiny new badge on his civilian jacket. He was then on his way to Korea with his enthusiasm high and his only regret to be going so far away from his father who was not well at the time.

Shortly after arrival at Camp Drake, Japan, Barney was interviewed by Lieutenant Colonel (now Brigadier General) John H. McGee, from G-3, Eighth Army, who was selecting volunteers for the Eighth Army Ranger Company which was being organized. The fact that Ranger units have a history of being assigned difficult tasks and that the mission of the company would be dangerous acted only as inducements to Barney. Despite Barney's complete lack of combat experience, he displayed such a high degree of enthusiasm and eagerness that he was accepted without hesitation.

Assigned as a platoon leader with the additional duty of supply officer, he was determined to overcome any lack of experience by unrelenting work in an effort to excel. Barney's indomitable spirit and good humor manifested itself as he threw himself wholeheartedly into the vigorous training program, and no matter how pressing his other duties, he always found time to take a personal interest in the Rangers under his command. Liked and respected by all, Barney was a decided asset to the company.

Soon the training program was over and the Ranger Company was attached to the 25th Division Recon Company which was located on the line of communications. Immediately the Rangers commenced extensive patrolling against the guerrillas who had been all too successful up to that time. These actions, while costly from the enemy viewpoint, were only considered advanced training exercises for the Rangers who were eager for something bigger. Their opportunity came in the latter part of November 1950 when the 25th Infantry Division relieved the 1st Cavalry Division in North Korea. The company was assigned to Task Force Dolvin and became one of the assault echelons.

The first day of action was tragic for Barney's second platoon. Leading the company attack, it came under enemy fire immediately after jumping off. Barney quickly led his men from the middle of a frozen rice paddy to a covered position where they could support the advance of the first platoon. But disaster in the form of four rounds from a tank knocked out an assault section, one-third of the platoon, as Barney moved from man to man exhorting them to greater efforts in their attempt to destroy the enemy facing them. It was only by his leadership and personal example that Barney was able to extricate his platoon from its position, and, with the first platoon, which had now joined him, continue to the company objective.

The following day the Ranger company, supported by a tank platoon, was again called upon to lead the assault of the Task Force. The tanks transported the company to the tank platoon firing position. Eight hundred yards of open rice paddy lay ahead. Immediately the Chinese opened up with heavy small arms and mortar fire. There was nothing to do but move fast, taking advantage of any fold in the terrain for what protection it afforded. As usual, Barney was in the forefront of the assault encouraging his men by his personal heroic example.

Hill 205 fell to the Ranger Company around 1500 that day of 25 November 1950. The company reorganized and commenced to dig in, in an effort to brace itself against the expected counterattacks. The actions which followed are best described in an excerpt from the citation for the Silver Star which Barney's mother received after the war:

"Shortly after he had secured the objective (Hill 205), the friendly troops repulsed a series of five fanatical counterattacks, in which the enemy came to within grenade-throwing distance of the company perimeter. Throughout this action, Lieutenant Cummings, with utter fearlessness, constantly exposed himself to enemy fire as he left his position of relative safety to move about among his men, shouting words of encouragement and directing their fire. Despite the fact that the onrushing enemy were almost upon his position, Lieutenant Cummings refused to withdraw, and when last seen was providing covering fire for his men. The gallantry and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Cummings throughout this action reflect great credit on himself and the military service."

The Class of '49 salutes Barney Cummings, Soldier and Friend.

Maj. Ralph Puckett, Jr. '49
Maj. John G. Albert '49

Personal Eulogy