Emerson LeRoy Cummings (16 March 1902 – 24 January 1986) was a United States Army lieutenant general who served as the 19th Chief of Ordnance for the United States Army Ordnance Corps, and commander of the Fifth United States Army.
Early life
Cummings was born in New Boston, Michigan on 16 March 1902.Newspaper article, Chief of Ordnance, by United Press International, published in The Holland (Michigan) Journal, November 2, 1953 He graduated from Eastern High School in Bay City, Michigan. Cummings went on to graduate fourth in his class from the United States Military Academy on 12 June 1924 and was assigned to the Engineer branch.Genealogical Succession, Graduates of the United States Military Academy, excerpted from the Register of Graduates and Former Cadets, published by the Alumni Society, 2005, page 1
Early career In 1926, Cummings completed a program in civil engineering at Cornell University.The Cornellian, Cornell University Yearbook, published by the University, 1926, Volume 58Cornell Alumni Newsletter, May 16, 1940, page 396 He graduated from the Engineer Officer Course in 1927.Official U.S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1954, page 166
In the 1920s and early 1930s Cummings served in Engineer assignments throughout the United States, including a staff position with the federal Alaska Road Commission and a posting to Fort Lewis, Washington.The Cornell Civil Engineer, published by Cornell University Association of Civil Engineers, 1928, Volumes 37–38, page 1928U.S. Federal Census entry, Emerson LeRoy Cummings family Cummings received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1933.Serving the Line with Excellence: the Development of the US Army Ordnance Corps, as Expressed Through the Lives of its Chiefs of Ordnance, 1812–1987, With a Short Sketch of the History of Army Ordnance, 1775–1987, published by U.S. Army Ordnance Corps, 1987, page 62 In 1934, he graduated from the Ordnance Officer Course.Biographical register of the officers and graduates of the United States Military Academy, by George Washington Cullum, updated by Edward Singleton Holden, Volume 8, Part 2 Page 561 Cummings formally transferred to the Ordnance Department on 12 February 1936.
In 1939, Cummings graduated from the Command and General Staff School and the Chemical Warfare Course. In the early 1940s Cummings served as assistant to the chief of the artillery division in the Ordnance Department's Industrial Service Division.SAE Journal, published by Society of Automotive Engineers, 1941, Volume 46, page 31
World War II During World War II Cummings was head of the army's industrial operations in Detroit, overseeing production of combat vehicles and other materiel. He was then assigned to command of the Ordnance Department's industrial division in Europe.Newspaper article, New Ordnance Chief Takes Job, by Associated Press, published in the Anderson (Indiana) Herald, November 3, 1953
Post-war Cummings continued his Ordnance career after World War II. He graduated from the National War College in 1948. In the late 1940s Cummings was chief of the Parts and Supplies Branch in the Ordnance Branch's Engineering Materials Division.Hearing Record, Investigation of the National Defense Program, published by U.S. Senate, 1948, Volume 25–26, Page 11926
In the early 1950s Cummings served as chief the Ordnance Corps' Industrial Division.Newspaper article, Fire Power Biggest Need to Win War in Korea, Says Ordnance General, Syracuse Post-Standard, December 11, 1951 While in this assignment Cummings also served as the Army's Assistant Chief of Ordnance.Hearing Record, Ammunition Shortages in the Armed Services, published by U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, 1953, page 381
In November 1953, Cummings was promoted to major general and became the 19th Chief of Ordnance for the Army. He organized the Commodity Command and established the Project Manager System as the exceedingly complex missile systems came into being. During his tenure, the Explorer, the first U.S. satellite, was developed and placed into orbit. He promoted good relations with industry, drawing in part on his World War II experiences with civilian manufacturers, by means of Industry Advisory Groups. The M14 rifle, utilizing 7.62mm cartridge, was developed during his time in office.Newspaper article, Maj. Gen. Cummings Will Head Ordnance, New York Times, October 8, 1953, Los Angeles Times, November 3, 1953List, Chiefs of Ordnance, 1918 to 1962 , Principal Officials of the War Department and Department of the Army, 1900–1963, published by United States Army Center of Military History, Page 407
After completing his term as Chief of Ordnance, from 1958 to 1960 Cummings was assigned as deputy commander of the Eighth United States Army, simultaneously serving as commander of U.S. Army, Japan.Newspaper article, U.S. to Shift Japan Command, New York Times, November 15, 1958Japan Quarterly, 1959, Volume 6, page 265Newspaper article, General Succeeds Admiral: 10 Other Changes in Top Assignments Made by Pentagon, White House, Reading Eagle, December 2, 1960
From 1961 to 1962, Cummings served as commander of the Fifth United States Army in Chicago.Newspaper article, Ike Appoints New 5th Army Commander , Chicago Tribune, December 3, 1960Newspaper article, 5th Army Gets a New Boss on Wednesday, Chicago Tribune, January 29, 1961
Retirement and awards Cummings retired in March 1962.Newspaper article, Cummings, 5th Army Chief, if Retiring at 60, Chicago Daily Tribune, March 28, 1962 His awards included two Army Distinguished Service Medals, the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal.Alphabetical Index of Recipients, Major U.S. Military Awards , Military Times, Hall of ValorOfficial U.S. Army Register, published by U.S. Army Adjutant General, 1961, page 120
In retirement Cummings resided in Largo, Florida.Newspaper article, Head of 5th Army to Retire, New York Times, February 25, 1962 He operated a woodworking shop as a hobby, and also volunteered as a set builder for the Little Theater of Clearwater, remaining active almost until his death.Newspaper article, Cummings and Set Crew Deserve Hardy Applause, St. Petersburg Times, February 14, 1977
In 1972, Cummings was inducted into the Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame.Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame Induction by Year Page , U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Association Web Site He died in Zephyrhills, Florida on January 24, 1986Social Security Death Index and was interred at Arlington National Cemetery on 3 February 1986.
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